March 13, 2013, Wednesday - A Sip of Science at Aster Cafe

Time: 5:30pm

Location: Aster Cafe, 125 SE Main Street

A SIP OF SCIENCE - What the Trees See: Viewing Modern Environmental Problems through the Lens of Ancient Trees

Trees are wonderful things. They release oxygen into the atmosphere, reduce erosion, and provide both shade and shelter. But trees do much more than just turn carbon, water and oxygen into leaves and wood. They are also amazing natural recorders that keep a permanent history of the environment within their annual growth rings. Because trees can live for hundreds or thousands of years, tree rings provide us with an extraordinarily deep perspective on modern environmental issues.  Dr. Scott St. George will explain how dendrochronology (the scientific study of tree rings) is helping to answer questions about what the future may hold for Minnesota's environment.

As an extra bonus, one lucky guest will receive a tree-ring specimen recovered from a spruce forest growing at the very northern tip of Canada's Yukon Territory!
 
About our speaker:
 
Scott St. George is Assistant Professor of Geography at the University of Minnesota. He received his Ph.D. in Geosciences from the University of Arizona and worked previously as a Research Scientist with the Geological Survey of Canada. His research tackles questions about ancient climate change, natural hazards and the impacts of climate change on renewable energy.
   
A SIP OF SCIENCE bridges the gap between science and culture in a setting that bridges the gap between brain and belly. Food, beer, and learning are on the menu in a happy hour forum in which researchers pair with musicians, artists and storytellers to put science in context through storytelling.

This talk takes place during happy hour at the Aster Cafe. Food and Drink Available for Purchase.