Dec. 15: Fir Mortality: Canaries of Mixed-conifer Forests

Have you noticed all the dead trees around Tahoe? Trees in our region are dying at an alarming rate, specifically true firs. Red and white firs are an important ecosystem component to mixed-conifer forests of the Sierra Nevada. However, fir mortality is currently at moderate to severe levels in our forests. Historically in California, true fir mortality often follows drought events – when precipitation falls below average, these trees are often hit by a variety of insects that overwhelm trees and result in mortality. True firs are also known to have high incidence of pathogens such as root diseases and mistletoes that contribute to physiological stress and decrease overall defense resistance and vigor.

Creating resilience and resistance is possible if we adjust our forests to accommodate new and future conditions. Join Beverly Bulaon from the U. S. Forest Service for an important discussion about the health of the forest around us.

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Doors open at 5:30 pm and the lecture starts promptly at 6 pm.

Admission is $10 and free for students with a student ID. Refreshments and a no-host bar will be available from 5:30 - 6 p.m. The lecture will begin at 6 p.m. in the UC Davis Tahoe Science Center at 291 Country Club Drive in Incline Village (between Tahoe Boulevard/SR 28 and Lakeshore Blvd.).

For more information call 775-881-7560, or visit http://tahoe.ucdavis.edu/events/.