Acclaimed botanist and educator Marion Lobstein will present “The Story of the Flora of Virginia - the Book and the App” when the Northern Neck Chapter (NNNPS) of the Virginia Native Plant Society (VNPS) meets at noon on April 18 in the Parish Hall of the Wicomico Parish Church (Episcopal) on Route 200 in Wicomico Church.

“We are honored that Marion will be able to join us this month,” said NNNPS president Ted Munns. “An expert on our native wildflowers and the natural ecology of the Chesapeake Bay, she's made extensive contributions to the new "Flora of Virginia” that's revitalizing appreciation of our native plant life. And her enthusiasm for native plants is infectious.”

Lobstein is a professor emeritus of biology at the Manassas Campus of the Northern Virginia Community College, an active member of the VNPS and a fellow of the Virginia Academy of Science. “She's also on the Advisory Board of Directors of the Virginia of Flora Project, conducts plant identification workshops in the State Arboretum at the Blandy Experimental Farm in Boyce and greatly enjoys art and travel,” Munns added.

The public is invited. Bring a brown bag lunch; some snacks and beverages will be available. The program will also feature Betsy Washington’s introduction to Golden Ragwort (Packera aurea), which can form spectacular blooms in spring and is the NNNPS Native Plant for April.

Photo of Marion Lobstein