Science at the Local returns to Springwood Sports Club with free science talks being delivered by two locals on Sunday, July 28 from 2.30pm.

Professor Belinda Medlyn, who commutes to Western Sydney University’s Hawkesbury Insitute for the Environment from her Lower Mountains home, will be giving a talk on “Tree mortality, drought and climate change”.

“Australian forests and woodlands are well-adapted to heat and drought,” said Professor Medlyn, “but just how much can they cope with? I’ll talk about the impact of more (and more extreme) extremes as the climate starts to change, and whether rising CO2 is a help or a hindrance.”

Also speaking will be Lower Mountains local Dr Patrick Smith, who now works at the Australian Museum, on the topic “Australia’s ancient giants: fossils from the red centre”.

To get involved, go to www.facebook.com/ScienceAtTheLocal.

Other 2019 events will be on September 15 and November 24 at Springwood Sports Club, and November 3 at Lithgow Workies, all from 2.30pm and all free.

The initiative is supported by Inspiring Australia and the NSW Government.