One of the greatest challenges of the contemporary biodiversity crisis is knowing how many species are extinct and how many are waiting to be rediscovered. University of Nevada, Reno biologist Matt Forister presents the lost species concept as a new perspective on conservation and the changing natural world. He will discuss his work with butterflies and the creation of a new publication, the Journal of Lost Species, to advance our scientific understanding of extinction, facilitate the rediscovery of lost species, and to establish a permanent record for species that will never be seen in the wild again.

This program is a compliment to the many butterfly centered artworks and stories of species struggling to survive the anthropocene in Into the Time Horizon. 

Join local writer Michael P. Branch for a preview of his upcoming book, Water Warriors. The book focuses on a 1989 proposal by the Southern Nevada Water Authority to pump nearly 3 billion gallons of groundwater a year from 30 rural valleys—and pipe it 300 miles to Las Vegas. The plan would have devastated wildlife and ranching communities, but a scrappy coalition—tribal leaders, ranchers, musicians, hydrologists, teachers, cowboy poets, public interest lawyers, and citizen scientists—banded together to save some of the Great Basin’s most vital water resources. 

The Great Basin of the United States has many lakes without an outflow. These terminal lakes and their watersheds play critical roles in supporting Great Basin biological diversity, Indigenous culture, and local economies. After water diversions to support agriculture and rural development that date back to the 1800s, Walker Lake has declined in surface area. The changes have reduced habitat and water quality for fish and birds which once had robust populations in the lake. Join an enlightening conversation on the current efforts of the Walker Basin Conservancy with CEO Peter Stanton and Board President, Dr. Sudeep Chandra, who present a compelling case for restoring Walker Lake and its watershed while supporting the needs of local Indigenous tribes and preserving the agricultural and natural heritage of the basin through science informed water transactions, ecological conservation and restoration, cultivating native plants and encouraging recreation.

This is part of a series featuring local conservation and sustainability organizations, which complements Into the Time Horizon.

Washoe County’s Climate Action Plan aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. Brian Beffort, Washoe County Sustainability Manager, will share how it addresses the cost of living, rising heat, wildfire risk and air quality, and actions you can take to build a climate-resilient household and community. 

This is part of an Art Bite series featuring local conservation and sustainability organizations, which complements Into the Time Horizon.  

When we protect our forests, we protect life. Healthy, resilient forests along the Truckee River reduce wildfire risk, safeguard water quality, and preserve the beauty and biodiversity that define Northern Nevada. 

Learn how the Nevada Chapter of The Nature Conservancy is working to improve forest health – before catastrophic wildfires occur – by restoring the natural role of fire, strengthening forest ecosystems, enhancing community safety, and honoring Indigenous knowledge. 

This is part of an Art Bite series featuring local conservation and sustainability organizations, which complements Into the Time Horizon.