Join former Ruth Bancroft Garden horticulturalist Szymon Szary as he shares stories from a cactus-focused exploratory trip through central and northern Chile, spanning the diverse landscapes of the coastal and interior Atacama Desert to the high elevations of the Andean Mountains. The objective of this journey was to find as many iconic Atacama and Andean cactus species as possible to observe and document them in their natural habitat. The presentation offers insight into the unique cactus flora of Chile, shaped by some of the driest and most rugged regions on Earth
About the Speaker: Szymon Szary
Szymon’s interest in cacti began in middle school after visiting his cousin’s collection. Upon relocating to California in 2015, he discovered an opportunity to combine several longstanding passions — backpacking, hiking, photography, and botany — through desert exploration. His experience in the backcountry proved invaluable for reaching remote and ecologically significant sites, while his photography skills allowed him to carefully document the specific conditions under which various cactus species thrive — essential for understanding how and why these plants succeed in such extreme environments.
Join us for this lecture – or make it a double with our Botanical Adventures Lecture Series. These talks take us around the world in search of extraordinary plants and landscapes. Through the eyes of passionate botanists, explorers, and plant enthusiasts, each presentation reveals the unique flora, ecosystems, and stories of a particular region. Get ready for beautiful images, fascinating plants, and stories of adventure! Check-out the October 24th lecture “Traversing California” here. Register for both talks and you will be entered into a drawing for a copy of the Lush Dry Garden or Bold Dry Garden.
The map is loaded from Google Maps, which may set Google cookies. Choose “Show map” to load it — we’ll remember your choice for other events.
Attend a free English Conversation Group to help build your confidence and skills so you can communicate clearly and be more comfortable in everyday situations. It's facilitated by a friendly volunteer and you’ll meet others who are practicing too. All skill levels are welcome. No sign-ups necessary…
Practice intermediate-level English grammar and conversation with other adult learners in a relaxed group setting. This will be a great opportunity to engage in natural, everyday conversation, improve your grammar, and connect with other English learners in our community. Free and open to ages 18 an…