The Native Plant Project is pleased to welcome Bradley Christoffersen, Ph.D., as its featured guest speaker for this month’s meeting. Dr. Christoffersen is a professor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and a leading researcher of the Tamaulipan thorn forest.

In his presentation, Dr. Christoffersen will share insights from years of long-term research focused on how thorn forests function, respond to environmental stress, and recover following disturbance. His work combines ecological theory with hands-on field studies, experimental restoration efforts, and data-driven modeling to better understand the processes that shape these landscapes over time. Attendees will gain a deeper appreciation for the complexity of thorn forests and the role science plays in guiding effective restoration.

Dr. Christoffersen’s research highlights the importance of monitoring restored landscapes beyond initial planting, emphasizing how climate, soil conditions, and species interactions influence long-term success. His work offers valuable lessons for conservation practitioners, land managers, and anyone invested in the future of South Texas ecosystems.

Based in McAllen, Dr. Christoffersen has served as a faculty member at UTRGV since 2017. He earned his Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Arizona and has dedicated his career to understanding and helping restore the natural landscapes of the Rio Grande Valley.

The program will take place on Tuesday, January 27, at 7 p.m. at the Valley Nature Center, 301 South Border St. in Weslaco, behind Gibson Park. The public is invited, and admission is free.

For more information about the Native Plant Project, visit https://nativeplantproject.com or follow on Instagram @plantsofdeepsouthtx.