Presentation Title: Clever Trees & Boozy Teas

Speaker: Rob Mardiney

Description of Program: Often overlooked, trees are a prominent feature of the landscape and provide numerous benefits for humans and forest ecosystems. Recent studies have revealed some surprising interactions between woody plants and other organisms, such as communication, cooperation, and codependency. Explore some of these lesser-known aspects of tree ecology.

Speaker Bio: For 35 years, until his retirement in 2020, Robert Mardiney was the Director of Education at Irvine Nature Center. In addition to over-seeing the education department, he helped transition Irvine from a tiny nature center in Stevenson to the much larger organization it is today. With degrees in both Biology and Environmental Education, Rob was a Past-president of the Maryland Environmental Education Association, and he served on the Board of the Maryland Native Plant Society. Rob has taught adult Continuing Ed Courses at Hopkins and Towson Universities, and he was also the 2012 recipient of the Garden Club of America’s Award for excellence in Environmental Education.

Date & Time of Program: Thursday, February 19, 2026 - 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM 

Member Cost: $55.00 per registrant

Non-Member Cost: $65.00 per registrant

This event will include a buffet style dinner by Ace Catering and signature alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails by the French Paradox. Adults only please.