Susan Hand Shetterly Photo courtesy of Western Maine Audubon

FARMINGTON — Susan Hand Shetterly will talk about her studies of all aspects of seaweed at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, in room C23 of the Robert’s Learning Center at the University of Maine at Farmington, 22 Maine St.

She will cover the history, biology, natural habitat and commercial uses of the natural resource, according to a news release from Western Maine Audubon.

Seaweed also acts as a wildlife sanctuary and Shetterly will talk about the challenges of proper management of growing and harvesting it. Seaweed is becoming a global food source and is used as an ingredient in many products ranging from cottage cheese to shampoo.

Her book, “Seaweed Chronicles: A World at the Water’s Edge,” tells the seaweed story in an engaging and entertaining narrative. The book will be available and she will be available to sign copies, according to the release.

Shetterly also is the author of nine books and written for several magazines, including Down East, Yankee and Audubon Magazine. She was a contributing writer for Maine Times for many years, writing essays and articles on wild lands and wildlife, and the people who work with them.

The event is free and is open to the public.

For more information, email Burt Knapp at burt@porterhillfarm.com.