People often conjure images of trees, pollinators, and wildlife when someone mentions the term, “ecosystem.” Yet the foundation of an ecosystem’s vitality begins underground. Invited speaker Laurie Dixon will provide a fascinating, microscope-guided exploration of the soil food web, which is the complex underground ecosystem that powers native plant communities. From beneficial fungi that form root partnerships to tiny predators that balance soil populations, this talk will reveal the often-overlooked organisms essential to plant health, nutrient cycling, and ecological restoration. Advanced registration, here, is required to access the online meeting.