Walking+through+a+field+of+Endangered+Species+at+Duke

I attended a student tour at Duke University's research greenhouses with Michael Barnes. His lecture and tour focus on the unique ferns that Duke houses and the importance of these ferns He started off by explaining the vast greenhouses and the importance of computer-controlled technology to monitor and maintain the plants. He then went on to describe many of the ferns, how the scientists have accommodated each of the plants to the distinct weather and temperature they are grown at. He also explained how researching ferns help to control invaders and also develops medicine. One of the assisting students, who was fascinated with the history of the ferns and attended for his undergraduate research on ferns, told a fascinating story of the Green Cliff Brake Fern, native to Zimbabwe. This tour/lecture really made me understand the connections between environmental science, botany, and medicine. I am happy I requested to be a part of this tour and I hope to come back for another lecture to learn more about plants native to the Americas and how imported plants have assisted the growth of America.