Self-organization is a natural process—that, as a system grows it also becomes more complex. The complexity is derived from the components of the system, such as species in an ecosystem which become ever more specialized through time and tightly integrated together creating systems that are energy efficient, resilient, and stable. The talk will focus on how this process works in ecosystems via co-evolution to generate the incredible biodiversity we see in nature. Many examples of regional co-evolved relationships will be used to illustrate how co-evolution works. The talk then shows how this process is a wonderful model for creating sustainable
human systems.

with Tom Wessels
Friday, May 3, 7:00– 8:30pm
Suggested donation: $10
Registration appreciated

Tom Wessels is a terrestrial ecologist and professor emeritus at Antioch University New England where he founded the master’s degree program in Conservation Biology.  He has conducted workshops on ecology and sustainability throughout the country for over three decades.  He is the author of numerous books including, “Reading the Forested Landscape”, “The Myth of Progress”, “Forest.Forensics” and his latest publication, “Granite, Fire and Fog: The Natural and Cultural History of Acadia”.