“Endangered Plants of the Southeast: Stories of Persistence and Hope”

Laura C. Martin

Using a unique blend of original watercolor art, southern storytelling, and scientific research, botanist, artist and author Laura C. Martin introduces audiences to some of the rarest and most vulnerable plant species of the southeastern United States. During her presentation, illustrated with original watercolor paintings from her forthcoming book Endangered Plants of the Southeast: Stories of Persistence and Hope (University of Georgia Press, Spring 2027), Martin explores the story of plant conservation in the American South, including both the origin of the problem, ongoing challenges of decline and the inspiring recovery efforts that offer hope for the future.

Designed for general audiences, the lecture combines natural history, regional culture, conservation science, and personal narrative in an engaging and visually rich presentation.

About the Speaker:

Laura C. Martin has enjoyed a long career as botanist, author, and botanical artist. She has a degree in botany from the University of Georgia and a certificate degree in Botanical Art and Illustration from the New York Botanical Gardens. In addition to publishing 26 books, including Wildflower Folklore, The Wildflower Meadow Book, A History of Southern Gardens and, most recently, A Naturalist’s Guide To Wildflowers, 2020. She also wrote a weekly gardening column about growing native plants for The Atlanta Journal and Constitution and was gardening editor for Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles Magazine and Georgia Magazine for many years.

In Fall, 2023, her art / information exhibit, Imperiled Beauty: Georgia’s Endangered Plants opened at the gallery at the Atlanta Botanical Gardens and then went to various colleges, libraries and other venues throughout the state.  She is the winner of several awards including Parent’s Choice, the Silver Nautilus, the Alabama Conservancy, and the Garden Club of American book award.

She lives in Atlanta with her husband, where she enthusiastically tends to a garden of mostly native plants. Her newest book, Endangered Plants of the Southeast: Stories of Persistence and Hope will be published by University of Georgia Press, Spring 2027.