Royal Society of South Australia September Meeting and Scientific Presentation

Hello members,

It is now September and our next Royal Society Meeting is coming up on the Thursday the 12th.

For this meeting, we have Dr Jake Robinson coming to speak to us about his newly published book Treewilding in which he explores our deep and complex relationships with forests. 

The meeting, held on Thursday the 12th of September will begin at 6:30 pm, with nibble and refreshments, as well as opportunities for pre-meeting discussions and networking beginning at 6:00 pm. A small donation to the RSSA is greatly appreciated to partake in this and support the continued provision of these pre-meeting treats.

This event will be held in-person in the Royal Society rooms, but we will simultaneously live-stream the meeting via Zoom for those not able to attend on the night.

To attend either in person, or online, you must register here. The zoom link will be sent to you on registration. Please feel free to share this event with your institution or networks.

If in-person tickets are sold out, please be aware that we are unable to admit more people than our room capacity. If online tickets are sold out, please contact admin@rssa.org.au and we can supply the zoom link to you.

For more information on the location of the RSSA rooms, please visit https://www.rssa.org.au/contact/

Dr Jake Robinson

Talk title

 Treewilding: Our Past, Present and Future Relationship with Forests 

Abstract

As we clear millions of hectares of forests globally, the challenge of restoring these precious ecosystems becomes ever more pressing. The stakes are high: a staggering 95% of Earth’s land could succumb to degradation by 2050. While the task might appear straightforward – simply plant millions of trees – the reality is far more perplexing. Haphazard tree-planting in unsuitable locations can wreak havoc on ecosystems and jeopardise the livelihoods of local communities. 

The surge of interest in restoring forests has ushered in a wave of greenwashing, where deceptive environmental marketing and scientific mishaps undermine genuine efforts. Yet this new focus also brings forth a plethora of solutions and many rays of hope. Amidst such a complex landscape, cutting-edge science and Indigenous knowledge together can redefine our understanding in a way that not only helps regenerate nature but also allows human communities to thrive. 

This original, topical and engaging book navigates the complex realm of forest restoration. It reveals how a nuanced approach is required – one that integrates the latest scientific advancements (for instance in microbial ecology, acoustic technology and epigenetics), Indigenous leadership and a holistic understanding of the interconnectedness of life within these vital ecosystems. Treewilding asks us to reflect on our relationship with trees and how we must see the woods (complex social and ecological systems) for the wood (timber) – a realisation that is perhaps the biggest ‘secret’ to restoring nature. 

Bio

Dr Jake M. Robinson is a microbial and restoration ecologist, currently working at Flinders University. His new book Treewilding is all about restoring global forests and our relationship with them. He has published dozens of scientific articles on the environment-microbiome-health axis and restoration ecology and another popular book called Invisible Friends: How Microbes Shape Our Lives and the World Around Us. Visit Jake’s website for more information: www.jakemrobinson.com