Botany expert to discuss coastal plain plants and flora April 16

The Delaware Botanic Gardens at Pepper Creek will host a talk by William McAvoy, retired Delaware state botanist, at 6:30 p.m., Thursday, April 16, in the education pavilion at 30220 Piney Neck Road, Dagsboro.

McAvoy will discuss Delaware's coastal plain habitats, plant communities and flora. A native Delawarean, McAvoy served as state botanist for over 35 years and is an expert on Delaware and Delmarva flora and rare plants.

He said, “The flora habitats and plant communities of Delaware’s coastal plain province are quite diverse and fascinating ecologically. My presentation will describe many of these habitats, along with their associated flora, and tie in how the Delaware Botanic Gardens is helping to educate the public on these important natural resources and their great need for conservation.”

McAvoy earned a bachelor of science degree in botany with an emphasis on vegetation management from Delaware State University. He is the primary author of the Flora of Delaware Online Database. 

Ray Sander, DBG chair, said, “Bill is an insightful conservationist. He inspires us to better understand the importance of native plants, and protection of habitats and flora. He will call us to action to preserve and maintain natural habitats, which also serve wildlife.”