The Gila Native Plant Society will meet at 7:00 pm on Friday, February 20, in Room 219 of Harlan Hall on the Western New Mexico University campus.

Russ Kleinman, past president of the Gila Native Plant Society, will be talking about interesting ways to pursue your interest in plants during the winter months when most plants are dormant. For example, with a little practice, most people can learn to identify trees and shrubs from leafless winter twigs. Other plants flower during the winter months. Some plants can even grow and reproduce under the snow!

Russ and his wife Karen moved to Silver City in the early 1990's. After practicing general surgery for nearly 30 years, Russ retired in 2008 and continued to pursue his interest in botany. Russ has taught Plant Taxonomy at Western New Mexico University for three years. His current research interests center around moss inventories in New Mexico and Iowa.

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

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.