News Release

Tiny Yet Tough: The Water Bears of Colorado National Monument

View of a Tardigrade through a microscope.

Dr. Aparna Palmer

News Release Date: March 1, 2019

Contact: Arlene Jackson, 970-858-3617 x363

Contact: Alicia Lafever, 970-858-3617 x364

Fruita, CO – Water bears, also known as tardigrades, are among the toughest creatures on the planet and, yet, they go unnoticed because of their minute size. Join Dr. Aparna Palmer for a talk about these amazing animals on Tuesday, March 5, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. in the visitor center theater. 

Tardigrades are microscopic animals present throughout the park and are remarkable because they thrive in the high desert despite being aquatic animals. Dr. Palmer will also share how they thrive here and how new species of water bears are currently being discovered in the Monument.

Due to limited seating, reservations are recommended. Please call 970-858-3617 ext. 360 for reservations. The program is free, however, regular monument entrance fees apply.

Winter hours are now in effect at Colorado National Monument. The visitor center is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. For additional information please visit www.nps.gov/colm or call 970-858-3617, ext. 360.

-www.nps.gov-
 

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