Vast stands of coniferous forest are an essential part of the ecology, economy, and character of western North America.  Recent dramatic changes, such as forest mortality from insect outbreaks and increased fire activity, are occurring across huge areas of western forests.  Join the Worldviews Network and the Denver Museum of Nature & Science for an immersive journey into the past, present and future of our forests.  Under the dome of the Gates Planetarium, travel through space and time to understand the connections between local forest ecosystems, global forest biomes, and our cosmic neighborhood.  Enter into a dialogue with scientists and educators about the pine beetles that have changed our Colorado landscapes, learn how these infestations arose, and their impacts on forests of western North America. Space scientist Dr. Ka Chun Yu, geologist Bob Raynolds, and biodiversity scientist Dr. Healy Hamilton will be the evening’s presenters.

 

Gates Planetarium

$8 member, $10 nonmember