Interested in archeology, bison, water use in Colorado, or how bioengineers get great ideas from nature?

Colorado State University students and faculty will talk about these topics in “Science behind the Scenery” events that run from June – October and are sponsored by the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas. The talks are designed for adults to learn more about research and science related to local natural areas.

Here’s the lineup:

• Archaeological Dig Site Tours — June 14 and 21, 9:30-11:30 a.m. Location provided at time of registration. CSU associate professor and anthropologist Jason LaBelle and a team of his students will conduct an archaeological dig to uncover artifacts from over 1,200 years ago. Discover what life may have been like for the ancient inhabitants of the plains. 2.5 mile, moderate walk as part of the tour.

• Soapstone Bison: Creating the Herd — Thursday, July 7, 7-8 p.m., 215 N. Mason St., enter through the north door. Jennifer Barfield, CSU special assistant professor and reproduction physiologist, tells the story of the Laramie Foothills Bison Conservation Herd at Soapstone Prairie. Learn more about the amazing reproductive techniques used to establish the herd. Parking is limited – please carpool, bike or walk.

• Natural Areas Cleaning Up Our Water — Tuesday, July 26, 7-8 p.m., Nix Farm, 1745 Hoffman Mill Road. Discover the significant impact our natural areas have on purifying urban water, as well as the dynamics of water use in Colorado with CSU student Eric Hamm, Department of Ecosystem Science and Sustainability. Parking is limited – please carpool, bike or walk.
• Ancient Peoples of Fossil Creek — Thursday, Sept. 15, 7-8 p.m., 215 N. Mason St., enter through the north door. Discover what life may have been like for the ancient inhabitants of the plains from Jason LaBelle, CSU Department of Anthropology, who conducted an archaeological dig on Fossil Creek Wetlands and uncovered artifacts from over 1,200 years ago.
• Bio-Engineering: Harnessing the Resiliency of Nature — Thursday, Oct. 27, 7-8 p.m., Nix Farm, 1745 Hoffman Mill Road. How can we mimic nature to create stronger, more resilient communities? CSU Assistant Professor Hussam Mahmoud, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, works at the intersection of biology and structural engineering and will share his research, including how the structure of bird nests serves as a model for better buildings. Parking is limited – please carpool, bike or walk.

Registration details

The talks are free, but space is limited. Registration is required through the city’s Nature Tracker site. Browse other events through this site, or download the Tracks & Trails guide. You may also pick up a copy of the guide at natural areas in and around Fort Collins.