Centennial Science Behind The Scenery Programs Continue July 30 and August 6 At Rocky Mountain National Park

Date: July 28, 2015
Contact: Kyle Patterson, [phone]

Numerous scientists will be presenting as part of the Centennial Science Behind The Scenery Programs at Rocky Mountain National Park. This series of programs highlights scientific activity and learning in the park. Each week a different scientist conducting research in the park will share their experiences and discoveries. The programs will be held on Thursday evenings at 7:30 p.m. at the Beaver Meadows Visitor Center and are free and open to the public.

This Thursday, July 30, join Robert Brunswig as he presents Three Thousand Generations of Native Americans in Rocky Mountain National Park: The Emerging Story Of The Park's Natural And Cultural Landscapes Since The Last Ice Age. In the late 1990s, our understanding of Rocky Mountain National Park's American Indians was restricted to a limited number of archaeological sites and historic records of regionally resident tribes (Ute and Arapaho) and occasionally non-resident tribes (Shoshone, Sioux, Cheyenne, Apache). Starting with the park's Archeological Inventory Program in 1998, we now have a detailed history of American Indian lifestyles and culture from the end of the most recent Ice Age to the late 19th century. This program will describe the historic paths taken by early park pioneers through modern-day researchers.

Next Thursday, August 6, join Glenn Patterson as he presents Trends In Accumulation And Melt Of Seasonal Snow In Rocky Mountain National Park. The seasonal snowpack in Rocky Mountain National Park is critical to the local and downstream water supply and the ecosystem of the park. It is also important for winter recreational opportunities. We know that there are heavy snow years and light snow years, but how do variations in the seasonal snowpack look over the long term? This talk examines long-term trends in snow accumulation and melt derived from snow monitoring stations. How does Rocky compare with other locations in terms of these trends? What might be some of the ramifications for water managers, park ecosystems, and winter recreation? These are some of the questions that will be addressed as we look at the cold facts about snow in the park.

For more information about Rocky Mountain National Park please call the park's information office at [phone]