#lessonsfromplants
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profromi.bsky.social
Excited my students got to hear @BerondaM talk at #SICB2023 #LessonsFromPlants - my fav: Don’t be apologetic for what you do/study - it’s what you like. #applesnailsforme
November 25, 2024 at 2:15 AM
berondam.bsky.social
So enjoyed this conversation with @fullecology.bsky.social for their " How It Looks From Here" podcast.

#LessonsFromPlants
#WhenTreesTestify

podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/6...
#67 Beronda Montgomery, PhD
Podcast Episode · How It Looks From Here · May 31 · 43m
podcasts.apple.com
June 5, 2026 at 12:15 AM
berondam.bsky.social
This beauty "Lessons from Plants" debuted 5 years ago on April 6, 2021.
It was a delight to work with editor Janice Audet then @harvardpress.bsky.social.
What an amazing & enriching journey it's been & continues to be.
www.hup.harvard.edu/books/978067...
#LessonsFromPlants
Lessons from Plants — Harvard University Press
An exploration of how plant behavior and adaptation offer valuable insights for human thriving.We know that plants are important. They maintain the atmosphere by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing...
www.hup.harvard.edu
April 6, 2026 at 4:49 PM
berondam.bsky.social
Enjoyed speaking w/host & cultural anthropologist Philip McKenzie of The Deep Dive podcast

We discussed writing, learning from nature, my latest When Trees Testify (@henryholtbooks/@macmillanusa)

Listen wherever you engage podcasts

www.thedeepdivepod.com/252

#WhenTreesTestify
#LessonsFromPlants
Podcast episode flyer with pictures of Philip McKenzie (upper left) and Beronda Montgomery (lower right). Text reads: The Deep Dive A culture and insights podcast Episode 252 When Trees Testify w/Dr. Beronda Montgomery
March 20, 2026 at 3:57 PM
berondam.bsky.social
Heading to NOLA. Sitting in critical community every chance I get. The power of community--for good or for bad. It's the lesson from plants that I am drawing on most in these times. Thanks to Community Book Center for the invitation and for hosting in collab with Loyola Biology

#LessonsFromPlants
Flyer for book event for "Lessons from Plants" (book cover pictured) by Beronda L Montgomery that reads: Community Book Center welcomes Professor of Biology, Grinnell College, Distinguished Scientist, Mentor and Author Dr. Beronda Montgomery in collaboration with Loyola Dept of Biological Sciences Tue Mar 18 2025 6pm An exploration of how plant behavior and adaptation offer valuable insights for human thriving. "An invitation to awareness, awe, and curiosity." -David George Haskell, author of Pulitzer Prize finalist The Forest Unseen bookshop.org/shop/readcbc || readcbc@gmail.com @readcbc 2523 Bayou Road, New Orleans, LA 70119 504-948-READ [7323]
March 15, 2025 at 10:34 AM
berondam.bsky.social
Awesome to participate as a facilitator & trainer for @ILO_UN Executive Leadership & Strategic Management Programme at the @UN Turin Campus.
Presented "Leadership Lessons from Plants."
I left feeling greatly inspired & thrilled to have brought #LessonsFromPlants to a new stage & amazing group.
Title slide of talk that reads: Leading Innovation Leadership Lessons from Plants Beronda L Montgomery Sign at ILOITC campus that reads: United Nations Turin Campus Global Learning for Sustainable Development Speaker Beronda Montgomery at front of room in front projected slide with room full of people listening as she speaks. Visual notes of "Leadership Lessons from Plants" presentation
January 19, 2025 at 1:15 AM
berondam.bsky.social
A drive thru town & near-winter walk in the arboretum observing derobed trees--beautifully complex trunks & branch patterns & deserted nests that were once hidden deep in the canopy--reminded me of this #LessonsFromPlants essay I wrote on lessons that trees offer on healing
psyche.co/ideas/trees-...
Trees don’t rush to heal from trauma and neither should we | Psyche Ideas
Trees teach us that healing from trauma involves balancing short-term protection with the slower process of adaptation
psyche.co
December 10, 2024 at 9:09 PM
berondam.bsky.social
Sometimes you have to revisit your own words to renew your motivation:
"It is simply not enough to support diversity through means & agencies that lack the power & seeming authority & permanence of those processes that maintain systemic inequities"
#LessonsFromPlants
academic.oup.com/plcell/artic...
Finding umbrella trees: cultivating inclusion and more than survival in a post-affirmative action academy
Dear Editor,
academic.oup.com
October 4, 2024 at 4:57 PM
berondam.bsky.social
Great day yesterday in convo with KU community on #LessonsFromPlants, possibility for change, growth & groundskeeping

Foundational Gatekeeping to Groundskeeping article: scholar.valpo.edu/jvbl/vol13/i...
& in #LessonsFromPlantsTheBook

Now back on writing grind. It's a new #WritingSeason
#AmWriting
Academic Leadership: Gatekeeping or Groundskeeping?
Common approaches to academic leadership include serving as assessors of the progress of individuals towards organizationally determined milestones and markers of success. Likewise, leadership develop...
scholar.valpo.edu
August 23, 2024 at 10:44 AM
berondam.bsky.social
"We are writing under duress & that's not new"
Prof Stephanie Y Evans in convo w/ @lportwoodstacer.bsky.social

How do we cope? Prof. Evans says write with purpose

I'm writing with/on/for a purpose!

#WhenTreesTestify
#LessonsFromPlants & more
Recognizing & removing distractions & reifying support!
August 16, 2024 at 5:40 PM
berondam.bsky.social
New piece "Botanic Lessons from the Prairie" [$] in #LAPlusJournal!
#LessonsFromPlants
Open magazine with two pages of "Botanic Lessons from the Prairie" article
June 12, 2024 at 9:05 PM
berondam.bsky.social
Looking for my thoughts on the rise of plant interest during the pandemic brought me back to this @ELLEmagazine #LessonsFromPlants reflection on my late Dad...he thought I hung the moon...I miss him so much!

www.elle.com/culture/a359...
Plants Were My Beacon of Hope During the Pandemic
Their undeterred maturation was a reminder that spring—indeed life itself—was moving on.
www.elle.com
March 5, 2024 at 4:30 AM
berondam.bsky.social
Seen at a local bookstore! Beautiful artistry, beautiful /inspiring book company & thankful for readers & support!
#LessonsFromPlants
#LessonsFromPlantsTheBook
Watercolor painting of stack of books
December 16, 2023 at 5:11 PM
berondam.bsky.social
Four years on the planet without my hero & co-conspirator in "good trouble" & mayhem.

I wrote a #LessonsFromPlants related piece on the grief for @ELLEmagazine:
www.elle.com/culture/a359...
October 22, 2023 at 2:21 AM
berondam.bsky.social
Advanced accepted manuscript is now available for "Finding umbrella trees: Cultivating inclusion and more than survival in a post-affirmative action academy"
#LessonsFromPlants
Link: academic.oup.com/plcell/advan...
Finding umbrella trees: Cultivating inclusion and more than survival in a post-affirmative action ac...
Beronda L Montgomery; Finding umbrella trees: Cultivating inclusion and more than survival in a post-affirmative action academy, The Plant Cell, , koad261, http
academic.oup.com
October 11, 2023 at 9:11 PM
berondam.bsky.social
20-Sep-2023

Can't wait to share!!

Now accepted & open access coming soon!

"Finding Umbrella Trees: Cultivating Inclusion and More than Survival in a Post-Affirmative Action Academy" has been accepted for publication in The Plant Cell.

#LessonsFromPlants
Screenshot that reads: 20-Sep-2023 Dear Dr. Beronda Montgomery: We are pleased to inform you that your letter entitled "Finding the Umbrella Trees: Cultivating Inclusion and More than Survival in a Post-Affirmative Action Academy" has been accepted for publication in The Plant Cell.
September 21, 2023 at 10:28 AM
berondam.bsky.social
Up today for 'Community Friday,' a campus conversation launching a new academic year: "Planting Equity: Using Our Spaces to Cultivate Growth & Celebrate Success." On equality vs. equity, #LessonsFromPlants on impact of prior experience & accrued capital. Recent ref: academic.oup.com/icb/advance-...
Title slide with title "Planting Equity: Using Our Spaces to Cultivate Growth and Celebrate Success" on green background with image of close up leaf. Slide with title "truth" with three bullet points below that read: What do we communally hold as "truth"? What do individuals in our community experience as truth? What truths do we need to confront so that "what we say" = "what we do"? @BerondaM Screenshot shot of reference with link in post. Text reads: Integrative & Comparative Biology Issues Advance articles Publish▾ Purchase Alerts About▾ Integrative and Comparati Article Contents Abstract JOURNAL ARTICLE ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT Following the Principles of the Universe: Lessons from Plants on Individual and Communal Thriving a Beronda L Montgomery Integrative and Comparative Biology, icad117, https://doi.org/10.1093/icb/icad117 Published: 21 August 2023 PDF Split View 66 Cite Permissions Share▾ Abstract The means by which plants and other organisms exist in and respond to dynamic environments to support their thriving as individuals and in communities provide lessons for humans on sustainable and resilient thriving. First examined in my book, Lessons from Plants (Harvard University Press, 2021), I explore herein the following question: "How can plants teach us to be better humans?" I consider how insights gathered from plant physiology, phenotypic plast
August 25, 2023 at 4:29 PM
dghaskell.bsky.social
This will be an absolute delight -- #LessonsFromPlants. Looking forward to talking with @BerondaM about her fabulous new book. See thread for other events on her calendar. So much 🌿🌵🌴🪴🌾🌼💚 and wisdom.

x.com/BerondaM/statu…
December 7, 2024 at 11:47 PM
mostlymicrobes.bsky.social
Excellent talk today by @berondam.bsky.social at Towson Univ! I've always been inspired by her #lessonsfromplants and #lessonsfrommicrobes. Appreciate her message that environment matters for mentoring at all career stages.
May 5, 2026 at 8:42 PM
elementaleucology.com
Last chapter is hands-down my favorite so I'll reproduce a few of the quotes/takeaways that really stuck out.

#LessonsFromPlants
May 19, 2026 at 5:39 AM
elementaleucology.com
I see a lot of reviewers are having the issues I was with #LessonsFromPlants.

Got some great direction for other reads relating to plants, ecology, and management but I think the structure REALLY works against it.

A different structure, editing team, and approach/style would've had it SHINE.
May 19, 2026 at 5:38 AM
elementaleucology.com
Beronda gets it.

#LessonsFromPlants
#YouAreNotATreeYouCanMove
Image taken of page 92 of Beronda Montgomery's book 'Lessons From Plants'. A vague outline of beige forefingers can be seen at the bottom of the page, which is propped up against a shaggy blue blanket. A sparse, wood-paneled floor can be seen in the background at the left edge of the image. Lightly edited text reads as follows: "Promoting change in human environments requires similar skills to those that plants display during ecological succession. In human institutions, or ecosystems, effective initial leaders of cultural change function as pioneers. Identifying and supporting individuals who possess the characteristics needed to promote change successively and synergistically towards developing and sustaining a new ecosystem is critical. Leaders who are effective trailblazers, like pioneer plants, are able to thrive while guiding change with limited or variable resources. They also recognize that even when an environment seems stable, the efforts of the pioneers can forge new directions and innovation. In human succession... organizations often focus on group dynamics rather than recognizing and embracing the impact that individuals--especially effective change agents--can have on influencing desired cultural change. Accomplishing change requires leaders and trailblazers." Image taken of page 93 of Beronda Montgomery's book 'Lessons From Plants'. A vague outline of a shaggy blue blanket can be seen in the background. Lightly edited text reads as follows: "Pioneer plants in primary succession may need to emerge through barriers or put down roots in difficult places [but they] can often effect change with minimal resources or networks to support ideas, growth, and innovation. The effort of these individuals... leads to additional ecosystem changes that support the next wave of individuals needed to drive and sustain cultural change and institutional transformation. The transformational goals of pioneers often require an initial period of disruption. Just as prescribed fires are needed for managing certain ecosystems, intentional disruptions may be required in human ecosystems to interrupt entrenched patterns or status quo thinking or action, and to move purposefully toward intended change outcomes. Although intentional disruption is often necessary, we should not overlook the reality that beneficial disruption opportunities can arise from ['bad' events or] intentions. For example, the 2016 election of a US president whom many Americans viewed as anti-woman and anti-science led to a national protest movement, including the 2017 Women's March and the March for Science." Image taken of page 94 of Beronda Montgomery's book 'Lessons From Plants'. A vague outline of beige forefingers can be seen near the bottom of the page as the book is propped against a shaggy blue blanket. A sparse, wood-paneled floor can be seen at the left edge of the image. Lightly edited text reads as follows: "We tend to ignore the need to introduce intentional disturbance or disruption, just as we do in fire-adapted ecosystems [but] significant changes [in/to] the composition of individuals may be required to move towards change targets. People often purport to desire significant changes to ecosystem structures in the pursuit of equity but ignore the need for real 'disturbance' to break away from the status quo community composition. An organization may need to reevaluate recruitment strategies and screening processes to promote the identification and recruitment of a broader range of individuals. We must understand that intervention and intentional disruption may be critical for supporting environments primed for the succession needed to support cultural change. We can accomplish systemic change through multiple means... Strategic ways to initiate transformation start with reflection on and awareness of our current situation: identify the features of the local surroundings and what resources are available, and assess our needs. At the community level a subset of individuals, pioneers, can serve the whole by acting as 'sensors'. Such individuals are positioned to assess climate or rapid changes in the environment which require responses or innovations." Image taken of page 95 of Beronda Montgomery's book 'Lessons From Plants'. Lightly edited text reads as follows: "Everyone must recognize the importance of pioneers--those that have the traits needed to initiate robust culture change at the right time and place--and support the need for leaders to function in this pioneering way."
May 16, 2026 at 6:18 PM
elementaleucology.com
There are things that I remember liking about Emergent Strategy and things I think deserved different eyes (like those of a scientist) to produce different and better edits.

So I find it encouraging that #LessonsFromPlants references Brown's work the way that it does--and where it does.
May 16, 2026 at 5:20 PM
rebeccaupjohn.bsky.social
The Christmas Cactus is celebrating all on its own: busting out in song and dance...because it can? #HappyPlace #LessonsFromPlants #Flowers #Nature
looking up.from below at the pink blossoms, white/yellow buds and green fronds of a Christmas cactus in a brown bowl on a stand. A window is visible in the back right along with a blue wall on which hamgs a partially visible but out of focus black and white framed photograph
November 5, 2024 at 4:53 PM
plantbiology.bsky.social
"The Secret World of Plants", another by Science Vs,

on @berondam.bsky.social's book #LessonsFromPlants.

gimletmedia.com/shows/scienc...

All about the weird and wily world of plants.
The Secret World of Plants | Science Vs
Plants aren’t just sitting around looking cute; they’re doing all sorts of stuff, like defending themselves, and even warning other plants about danger. Today, we’re talking all about the weird and wi...
gimletmedia.com
November 8, 2024 at 8:18 AM