Join us this summer as we hear from researchers about their work in the Mono Basin at our Refreshments with Refreshing ‘Ologists lecture series. These free talks take place on select Wednesdays at 4:00pm in the Mono Lake Committee Information Center & Bookstore gallery. Presentations last about one hour and light refreshments are provided.
This year’s lecture series began on July 9 with USGS Biologist Carl Lundblad’s fascinating presentation on pinyon jays, nesting habitat, and holistic conifer management. If you missed our first talk, there are several more scheduled for this season. Throughout the summer our speakers will highlight not only the lake itself, but also the mountains towering above it and the alkali flies within its water.
Wednesday, July 30: Climate Change & Mono Lake with Scott Stine
Scott Stine, geomorphologist and paleoclimatologist, will present on climate change at Mono Lake. Scott has studied aspects of Mono Lake’s climate history since the mid-1970s.
Wednesday, August 6: Alpha Angles and Oversights: The Disconnect Between Avalanche Science and Land Use Policy with Sue Burak
Sue Burak will discuss how avalanche runout distances are calculated and compare these terrain-based models to the runout distances calculated from complex 3D models. Learn about the avalanche paths above Highway 395 around Mono Lake and the avalanche paths threatening other roads in Mono County.
Wednesday, August 20: Quantifying the Present State of the Dana Glacier, Sierra Nevada with Ellery McQuilkin
Learn about the small alpine cirque glacier, Dana Glacier, from Ellery McQuilkin. Ellery has done extensive field research on several cirque glaciers in the High Sierra, including Dana Glacier and Kuna Glacier.
Wednesday, September 10: Alkali Flies with Steve Root
Steve Root is this year’s Alkali Fly Research Technician at the Mono Lake Committee. His presentation will cover the life cycle of the alkali fly, their importance to the Mono Lake ecosystem, and how research on the flies is being used to help restore Mono Lake. Come learn how these amazing insects are able to dive and thrive in Mono’s salty water!
I invite you to attend any of these presentations that pique your interest. Each talk in this year’s series provides an opportunity to delve into a unique research topic, which I hope will further enrich your knowledge and appreciation of the Mono Basin.
Top photo by Elin Ljung.