Our Eastern Sierra ecosystems are as diverse and unique as the communities that call this place home. That’s why we are excited to bring back the Science on Tap Speaker Series, connecting you to the landscapes we love through the lens of science!
From May through September, we’re bringing brilliant local scientists, researchers, and land stewards straight to your favorite bars and breweries across the region. We’ll be grabbing a pint to talk about everything from forest management and tree resilience to pinyon pine conservation and subalpine dynamics- and even woodrats!
Whether you’re a seasoned ecologist, a curious outdoor enthusiast, or just someone who loves a good beer and a great story, these events are for you. Mark your calendars, grab your beer and let’s talk science!
Click on any of the events below to see more details! Here is the full breakdown of this season’s lineup:
May: Dusting Off the Forestry Toolbox
- Speaker: Dr. Sarah Bisbing, Director of the Whittell Forest & Wildlife Area & Associate Professor of Forest Ecosystem Science at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR)
- Topic: Dusting off the toolbox: reestablishing silvicultural action in fire-adapted forests
- When: Thursday, May 7, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Where: Mountain Rambler, Bishop
June: Nature’s Time Capsules: Lessons Learned from Desert Woodrats
- Speaker: Danny Nielsen, Researcher, Author & Field Biologist, University of Nevada, Reno
- Topic: Desert woodrats ecological niche and lessons learned
- When: June 9, 2026) | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Where: T-Bar, June Lake
July: Growing Trees in a Drying World
- Speaker: Sam Zuckerman, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, USFS Pacific Southwest Research Station
- Topic: Tree physiology and response to drought
- When: Wednesday, July 1, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Where: Main Street Pizza and Tap / The Liberty Bar, Mammoth Lakes
August: Pinyon Pines & Local Stewardship
- Speaker: Dr. Alexandra Urza
- Title: Research Ecologist & Forest Health Program Director, Whitebark Institute
- Topic: Pinyon-Juniper Ecology and Stewardship in an Era of Rapid Change
- When: August 5 2026 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Where: Latte Da, Lee Vining, CA
September: Surprises at the Treeline
- Speaker: Dr. Hugh Safford, Vegetation and Fire Ecologist at UC Davis
- Topic: Nutcrackers and nighttime warming: unexpected treeline dynamics in the southern Sierra Nevada
- When: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Where: Distant Brewing, Mammoth Lakes
A Quick Note for Attendees
- All events are free to attend (though drinks and food are on you!).
- Presentations usually wrap up with a Q&A session, so don’t be shy about asking our experts your burning questions.
- The event starts at 6:00pm with speaker presentations beginning at 6:30pm. We recommend arriving early to grab your drinks, find a seat, and settle in before the presentations start.
We can’t wait to see you all out there! Let’s toast to a more resilient, well-understood Eastern Sierra.
Have questions or want to speak at one of our events? Shoot us a message or find us at the next Whitebark Institute community event!