Cost for the lunch and program is $25 and reservations are required. Deadline for reservations is 6 p.m., Sept. 6. Contact Rita Casagrande at 305-595-0213, or write her at ritafosse@yahoo.com.

FLOWERING TREE TALK

"Flowering Trees of the Dry Lands--Experiences From the Middle East and Madagascar" is the topic by FIU Research Scientist Michael Maunder at the next meeting of The Tropical Flowering Tree Society from 7:30-10 p.m., Sept. 10. The group meets on the second Monday of the month at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden’s Corbin Building, 10901 Old Cutler Rd., Coral Gables.

The group’s meetings include speakers, bloom table, rare plant raffle, refreshments, and friendly folks. Guests are welcome at no cost, or become a member for $30 a year. For more visit www.tfts.org, the TFTS Facebook page, or call 305-389-5404.

LEARN ABOUT PRIMATES

Sian Evans of the DuMond Conservancy for Primates and Tropical Forests at Monkey Jungle is the guest lecturer at the Bea Peskoe Lunchtime Lecture Series starting at noon, Sept. 10 at the Woman’s Club of Homestead at 17905 SW 292nd St. in Homestead. The conservancy continues the research of the DuMond family whose vision created Monkey Jungle.

As managing director Evans studies nocturnal owl monkeys and teaches in the biology department at Florida International University. Born and educated in the United Kingdom Evans was introduced to Porky, the alpha male in a group of pigtail monkeys at the London Zoo, while studying zoology at the University of London. The meeting shaped her future career. She has lived and studied primates in Africa where she helped raise orphan gorillas.

Learn more at this interesting session that is free and open to the public. A simple lunch can be provided for $10. Lunch reservations can be made by calling Barbara Millenbruch at 305-230-9185 by 2 p.m. Sept. 7.