January Club Meeting

Event Details

January 2027

Monday, January 4, at 7:30 PM

Subject: Intertwined Branches: Genomic Insights into the Past, Present, and Future Evolution of Oaks
Speaker: Gabriel Ribicoff

How did oaks emerge from Eocene obscurity over 55 million years ago to dominate the Northern Hemisphere’s temperate forests? Within the past two decades, expanded genome sequencing has cracked open the saga of continental dispersals, hybridization events, and ice age migrations that influenced oaks’ ecological success today. Learn about the ways that scientists use genetic data to resolve evolutionary uncertainties, predict future vulnerabilities to climate change, and even assist oak conservation efforts.

Biography

Gabe graduated from the University of Chicago in 2024 with a BS in Biological Sciences (Ecology & Evolution). Through his work in labs at the Field Museum and Morton Arboretum, he has researched and published on the evolutionary genetics of eastern North American white oak species, amongst other plant groups. Gabe currently manages the Master Gardener Program of Bergen County through Rutgers Cooperative Extension.

 

Artistic Design Exhibits 

Theme: Musical Inspiration of the 20th Century – 1960s Flower Power Folk

 

Challenge:  Creative Tapestry Design, see Handbook, pp.72,79.

Intermediate:  American Traditional Mass – Petite Design, not to exceed 12”, see Handbook, pp.71-l72.

Novice:   American Traditional Mass: Symmetrical Triangle (isosceles triangle), see Handbook, pp.70-71.

Open: Designer’s choice (one entry per member).

Artistic Design Exhibits – Please read “Artistic Design Rules” beginning on page 13 of the MGC Yearbook as well as Chapter 7 of the 2017 revised edition of the Handbook for Flower Shows.

Horticultural Exhibits – Please read “Horticulture Division Rules” beginning on page 14 of the MGC Yearbook as well as Chapter 6 of the 2017 revised edition of the Handbook for Flower Shows.

1. Amarylis, 1 variety potted, pot not to exceed 10” in diameter
2. Pothos plant, potted, pot not to exceed 10” in diameter
3. Sansevieria (Snake Plant), potted, pot not to exceed 10” in diameter
4. Open (maximum 2 entries per member)