Keystone species make a huge impact on their ecosystems, sometimes building entire habitats for hundreds of other species to call their home. In this session, we will learn what makes a keystone species, where the term came from, and some local examples found in Maryland. We will then find out why identifying keystone species is so important and how we can use them to help guide our conservation efforts.

Ocher

Sammi Ocher

Sammi Ocher works as a Teacher Naturalist and EcoCamp Director at Pickering Creek Audubon Center in Easton. She studied Animal Behavior at Franklin and Marshall College and earned her Master's degree in Marine Biology from Northeastern University. Ocher is passionate about seabirds and bird behavior, and enjoys sharing her passion for nature and science through art and writing.

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