Prolonged drought periods often result in forest tree mortality, but this death varies across the Lake Tahoe Basin. The causes of tree mortality range from native bark beetles, forest pathogens (native and invasive), stressors such as drought and salt stress, as well as historical land use.

Patricia Maloney will discuss on May 10 the ecological and evolutionary consequences of forest tree mortality in the Lake Tahoe Basin.

She is a forest ecologist and conservation biologist with UC Davis’ Department of Plant Pathology and Tahoe Environmental Research Center. Her research is aimed at understanding forest dynamics and forest tree species responses to natural and anthropogenic disturbances.

The program will begin at 6pm, with refreshments and no-host bar from 5:30-6pm at 291 Country Club Drive in Incline Village on the campus of Sierra Nevada College.

Seating is open at 5:30pm. to guests who have preregistered, open seating starts at 5:50pm. Cost is $5.