Webinars and events
The Queensland Herbarium hosts free public webinars, usually once a month, between 12pm and 1pm.
These are live streamed events using Microsoft Teams webinar.
RSVP is essential – email geoffrey.c.smith@des.qld.gov.au to register for a session.
12 October 2020, 12–1pm
The tale of two non-native grasses: Eragrostis curvula and Cenchrus ciliaris
Jennifer Firn, Queensland University of Technology
Invasive grasses have impacted negatively on Australian ecosystems and the livelihoods and culture of local people. Some invasive grasses are ‘conundrum species’ as they can be perceived as beneficial for farming production while at the same time highly detrimental to ecosystems. Weighing up the pros and cons of non-native plant species can take decades before consensus is reached as to whether the species should be promoted, eradicated or controlled. In this talk, I discuss research we have been conducting on understanding the growth characteristics and most effective control strategies for two invasive non-native species, Eragrostis curvula and Cenchrus ciliaris. Eragrostis curvula and Cenchrus ciliaris have contrasting levels of utility for farming but both have significantly impacted on ecosystems. I will compare and contrast the history, impacts of the species, and discuss how we are attempting to involve local people in the ecological research we are conducted to assist with tackling the control of these two challenging high impact species.
9 November 2020, 12–1pm
A story of data won, data lost and data re-found: the realities of ecological data preservation
Alison Specht, Honorary Associate Professor, School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Queensland
There are many pitfalls to institutional and non-institutional ecological data conservation over the long term. Interruptions to custodianship, old media, lost knowledge and the continuous evolution of species’ names makes resurrection of old data challenging. This reflective talk cautions against technological arrogance with an emphasis on the importance of international standards. A case study of a compiled set of continent-wide vegetation survey data offers a sober review of the value of endangered data, the cost of retrieval and the importance of suitable and timely archiving through the vicissitudes of technological change.
23 November 2020, 12–1pm
A brief history of bryology in Queensland
Andrew Franks, Queensland Herbarium
A brief history of bryological discovery in Queensland and a run-down of the key figures who have contributed to our understanding of the bryophyte flora of the State.
7 December 2020, 12–1pm
The best of Borneo before COVID-19
Bill McDonald, Retired Botanist Queensland Herbarium
Since retirement in 2012 Bill has been visiting Borneo once a year to volunteer on a research project in Danum Valley Conservation Area in south-eastern Sabah.
In February 2020 he combined the Danum trip with a 14-day excursion to Sarawak and Brunei with a group of students and staff from the University of the Sunshine Coast and Charles Darwin University. In this seminar Bill will ‘show and tell’ some of the highlights of the trip.