The Gila Native Plant Society will meet at 7:00 pm on Friday, November 21, in Room 219 of Harlan Hall on the Western New Mexico University campus.

A.T. Cole will give a presentation: Human-Caused Climate Change and Habitat Shallowing as an Adaptation Tool.

It is long past time we recognize that terms like extended drought and fire season are no longer relevant and unwittingly play into the hands of the flat-earth-science-denier fellowship. Droughts end and seasons change. Climate change is making the arid Southwest "hotter & dryer" than anywhere else in the continental U.S. "When compared to the 20th century average, the West has experienced an increase in average temperature during the last five years that is 70 percent greater than the world as a whole." The "new normal" can be referred to as permanent warming and year-round fires.

Now the question is "How to Adapt?" and landscape restoration is a key part of the solution. The mantra of the "Three R's" is now five: "Recycle, refuse, reuse, reclaim and restore." Restoration is something anyone can do anywhere, regardless of land size or ownership and the talk will offer ideas on just how.

After 33 years in Casa Grande, Arizona, A.T. & Cinda Cole retired to the Pitchfork Ranch, an hour south of Silver City, ten years ago and are restoring the nine mile reach of the Burro Cienaga that runs through the ranch, repairing the grasslands, improving wildlife habitat and introducing endangered animals and plants.

The public is invited to attend presentations free of charge. Refreshments will be served after the programs.

The Gila Native Plant Society is committed to promote education, research and appreciation of the native flora of the Southwest, to encourage the preservation of rare and endangered plant species and to support the use of suitable native plants in landscaping. For information on programs, publications and membership, please visit www.gilanps.org.