The Salazar Center is hosting a free screening of parts one and four of “Roots So Deep (you can see the devil down there),” a documentary series all about inventive farmers and maverick scientists building a path to solving climate change with hooves, heart and soil.

Watch the trailer:

Can a novel way to graze cattle, that mimics the way bison once roamed the land, help get farmers out of debt, restore our depleted soils, rebuild wildlife habitat and draw down huge amounts of carbon? Cattle have been seen as eco-villains for a long time. What if they can help save us from catastrophic climate change?

“Roots So Deep” is guided by director and wrangler of scientists Peter Byck as he meets farmers on both sides of the fence – the folks practicing a new way to graze, and their neighbors set in their family’s generations-old method of doing things. Peter’s team of outcast scientists are measuring what’s happening on both sides of the fences – exploring if this new, adaptive grazing could help slow down climate change.

Register

 

Event Agenda

5:00 PM MST – Reception and networking; Food will be provided, cash bar

6:00 PM MST – Film screening, parts 1 and 4

8:15 PM MST – Panel discussion and Q&A with director Peter Byck

Speakers

Sarah Wentzel-Fisher – Moderator 

Sarah has worked in food and agriculture planning and education for over a decade, with a focus on supporting young and beginning farmers and ranchers, and regenerative agriculture. She is currently the Executive Director of Quivira Coalition, a nonprofit focused on resilience on working lands; she oversees staff in New Mexico, Colorado, and Montana. She was the editor of Edible New Mexico from 2011 to 2017. From 2013 to 2015, she worked for the National Young Farmers Coalition as an organizer and is currently on the boards of the Greenhorns, Southwest Grassfed Livestock Alliance, and the Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, and has served on the board of the Rio Grande Agricultural Land Trust.

She is a committed champion of the local food movement and of resilient and regenerative agriculture, and brings deep experience and knowledge of network building, program development, project management, research, writing, advocacy, and event planning to this work. In her free time, you can find her feeding pigs, checking the compost pile, or visiting farms and ranches in New Mexico and beyond.

Peter Byck

Peter is a professor of practice at Arizona State University where he is helping to lead a $10 million research project comparing Adaptive Multi-Paddock (AMP) grazing with conventional grazing; collaborating with 20 scientists and 10 farm families, focused on soil health & soil carbon storage, microbial/bug/bird biodiversity, water cycling and much more featured in “Roots So Deep (you can see the devil down there).” He has over 25 years experience as a director and editor. His 1st documentary, garbage, won the South by Southwest Film Festival, screened in scores of festivals and played at the Museum of Modern Art and Lincoln Center. His 2nd documentary, carbon nation, has screened all over the world; it won the IVCA Clarion Award, the GreenMe Global Festival, and was runner-up for the EMA Award.

Francesca Cotrufo

Dr. Cotrufo is a Professor in the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, and Senior Scientist at the Natural Resource Ecology Lab, at Colorado State University. She is a soil ecologist and biogeochemist, internationally recognized as an authority in the field of litter decomposition and soil organic matter dynamics, and in the use of isotopic methodologies in these studies. Her main research interest is in understanding the mechanisms and drivers of formation and persistence of soil organic matter, and its response to global environmental changes and disturbances. She also pursues applied research to propose soil management practices that increase soil health and mitigate climate change, such as application of biochar in soils. As a scientist fully aware of the current and future challenges expecting humanity, she is interested in promoting K-12 education and outreach activities to advance scientific literacy and societal understanding of current human impacts on the Earth System.

Samantha Mosier

Dr. Mosier is currently the Executive Director and one of the Co-Founders of Cquester Analytics, a soil testing facility specializing in soil carbon analysis. Originally from Holland, Michigan, she earned a Ph.D. in ecology from Colorado State University. She also holds a B.S. in environmental science from the University of Michigan and a M.S. in applied ecology from Michigan Tech University.

Dr. Mosier’s research interests include soil organic matter dynamics and biogeochemical cycling. She adds, “I’m passionate about sustainable land management practices as climate change mitigation strategies.”

 

 

 

Dates

Date Start Time End Time
Oct. 9, 2023 5:00 pm 9:00 pm

Contact Information

For more information, please contact Emily Barbo (emily.barbo@colostate.edu).

Location

Lory Student Center Theatre

1101 Center Avenue Mall Fort Collins, CO 80521

Key Themes

  • Carbon
  • Climate change
  • documentary
  • film screening
  • regenerative agriculture
Registration is open! The Salazar Center’s fifth annual International Symposium will be held October 11– 12, 2023. 

Register by Friday, July 28 to receive special early-bird pricing!

Across the globe, biodiversity is rapidly deteriorating—faster than any other time in human history—and North America is no exception: over 30% of its biodiversity has declined since 1970. This devastating trend threatens species, ecosystems, and the services they provide, which in turn form the foundation for human well-being and livelihoods. 

Experts and leaders from around the world have acknowledged that the climate and biodiversity crises are inseparable and must ‘be addressed urgently and holistically’ for the benefit of both people and the planet. In this response to this crucial moment, the Salazar Center’s fifth annual International Symposium on Conservation Impact will focus on nature-positive solutions and how they can catalyze better outcomes for climate, biodiversity, and human well-being.

Learn more

 

Subscribe to the Center’s newsletter to get updates sent to your inbox.  

 

 

Dates

Date Start Time End Time
Oct. 11, 2023

Travel Information

CSU Spur is located northeast of I-25 and I-70 in Denver, between the Washington Street and Brighton Boulevard exits. Free parking is available in Lot N (map).

Driving directions 
from the north

  • Take I-25 south to 58th Ave. (exit 215)
  • Travel east on 58th Ave.
  • Turn south onto Franklin St.
  • Continue onto National Western Drive

from the south

  • Take I-25 north to I-70 east
  • Travel east on I-70 to Washington St. (exit 206)
  • Turn north onto Washington St.
  • Turn east onto E. 47th Ave.
  • E. 47th Ave. turns into E. 46th Ave.
  • Turn north onto National Western Drive

Location

CSU Spur, Hydro Building

4777 National Western Drive, Denver, CO 80216

Key Themes

  • Biodiversity
  • Climate change
  • conservation
  • Nature-based solutions

In this session of our Connecting for Conservation webinar series, panelists from Canada and the U.S. discussed the importance of protecting North American forests to achieve durable outcomes for people, biodiversity, and the climate.

The U.S. and Canada have made unprecedented commitments to climate and biodiversity, including the protection of 30% of their lands by 2030. To meet these goals, countries need strong foundations to create robust policy frameworks that protect the carbon-rich forests of North America. The panel highlighted weaknesses in current national forest carbon accounting practices in Canada and ways the government can leverage forest protection to achieve climate goals, as well as new spatial tools to map mature forests for the conterminous U.S. to inform national conservation and climate target setting. Together, they explored the need to address underlying barriers to the realization of strong forest-climate solutions policies, and opportunities for the countries to work together to address them and create a new model of global forest leadership.

Pictured: Tongass National Forest, Alaska. Photo by Dominick DellaSala.

Dr. Dominick A. DellaSala, Chief Scientist, Wild Heritage, Project of Earth Island Institute

Dr. DellaSala is Chief Scientist at Wild Heritage and former President of the Society for Conservation Biology, North America Section. He is an internationally renowned author of over 250 science papers on forest and fire ecology, conservation biology, endangered species management, and landscape ecology. Learn more about Dr. DellaSala.

Graham Saul, Executive Director, Nature Canada

Graham joined Nature Canada 2017 and has more than 25 years of experience working on social and environmental justice issues. Previously, he worked for Friends of the Earth Canada and Oil Change International and Climate Action Network Canada and is a founding member of Ecology Ottawa. Learn more about Graham.

 

This webinar was produced in partnership with Nature Canada, Natural Resources Defense Council, and Wild Heritage.
Nature Canada (logo), NRDC (logo), World Heritage (logo)

Dates

Date Start Time End Time
March 22, 2022 12:00 pm 1:00 pm

Contact Information

Jen Kovecses: jen.kovecses@colostate.edu

Key Themes

  • Biodiversity
  • Climate change
  • Healthy landscapes
  • Indigenous conservation

This is an optional webinar for interested applicants to learn more about the Thriving Cities Challenge. We will provide an overview of eligibility, timeline, and scoring process, as well as a demonstration of the application portal. Webinar attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions.

This webinar will be recorded and shared on the website for those who are unable to attend.

 

Dates

Date Start Time End Time
March 15, 2021 12:00 pm 1:00 pm

Contact Information

Catie Boehmer: catie.boehmer@colostate.edu

Thriving Cities Challenge

Key Themes

  • Climate adaptation
  • Climate change
  • Community-based conservation
  • Diversity equity inclusion
  • Resiliency
  • Urban nature

This is an optional webinar for interested applicants to learn more about the Thriving Cities Challenge. We will provide an overview of eligibility, timeline, and scoring process, as well as a demonstration of the application portal. Webinar attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions.

This webinar will be recorded and shared on the website for those who are unable to attend.

 

Dates

Date Start Time End Time
Feb. 22, 2021 12:00 pm 1:00 pm

Contact Information

Catie Boehmer: catie.boehmer@colostate.edu

Thriving Cities Challenge

Key Themes

  • Climate adaptation
  • Climate change
  • Community-based conservation
  • Diversity equity inclusion
  • Resiliency
  • Urban nature

Join the Institute for Science & Policy for its annual symposium, at which they’ll explore the theme Untangling Complexity in Our Changing World. Agenda topics include trust, equity, health, and the future of science through critical thinking and thoughtful dialogue on collective action challenges, such as climate change.

The Institute provides tools, data, processes, and a collaborative environment for civil, productive dialogue on policy issues involving science and is a project of the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

Dates

Date Start Time End Time
Dec. 1, 2020 8:30 am 2:00 pm
Dec. 3, 2020 8:30 am 2:00 pm

Contact Information

Nicole Delaney: Nicole.Delaney@dmns.org

Institute for Science and Policy

Key Themes

  • Climate adaptation
  • Climate change
  • Conservation policy
  • Diversity equity inclusion
  • Healthy landscapes
  • Resiliency

In collaboration with an unprecedented coalition of university centers across the western United States, the Salazar Center is co-hosting a new webinar series! Conservation Conversations will explore the conservation challenges of the future and identify specific policies, programs, and strategies to help secure the long-term health of the nation’s natural resources, wildlife, and landscapes, and broaden the benefits for all Americans.

This installment of the series was hosted by the O’Connor Center for the Rocky Mountain West at University of Montana, and panelists discussed ways to address current conservation challenges such as racism, sexism, and longstanding practices of exclusion of BIPOC while addressing climate change, co-existence, and the loss of biodiversity so that all Americans can benefit from the knowledge and expertise that Indigenous Americans have to offer in helping to guide the conservation of our natural resources for generations to come.

Dates

Date Start Time End Time
Oct. 21, 2020 12:00 pm 1:00 pm

Contact Information

Dominique Gómez: dominique.gomez@colostate.edu

Conservation Conversations webinar series

Key Themes

  • Biodiversity
  • Climate change
  • Community-based conservation
  • Diversity equity inclusion
  • Healthy landscapes
  • Indigenous conservation

In collaboration with an unprecedented coalition of university centers across the western United States, the Salazar Center is co-hosting a new webinar series! Conservation Conversations will explore the conservation challenges of the future and identify specific policies, programs, and strategies to help secure the long-term health of the nation’s natural resources, wildlife, and landscapes, and broaden the benefits for all Americans.

US cities face a host of interrelated challenges in 2020. A nationwide history of racism in housing and environmental injustice mean communities of color largely live in more polluted, hotter neighborhoods with less tree canopy and green space. Meanwhile, global greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, evermore necessitating not only a reduction of emissions but also a tremendous investment in carbon capture worldwide – including in cities which are often overlooked as a potential site of carbon capture through urban forestry and green space. This webinar summarized the research that indicates that urban environments can and should be prioritized for carbon capture through significant investment in urban forestry, the inequity in existing tree canopies and green space, and the policy solutions that would ensure this investment has clear climate and local benefits, particularly for communities of color. The Salazar Center hosted this sixth installment of the series.

Dates

Date Start Time End Time
Oct. 14, 2020 12:00 pm 1:00 pm

Contact Information

Dominique Gómez: dominique.gomez@colostate.edu

Conservation Conversations webinar series

Key Themes

  • Climate adaptation
  • Climate change
  • Diversity equity inclusion
  • Resiliency
  • Urban nature

In the U.S. and around the world, communities are balancing the need for adequate land for green infrastructure and natural spaces to help make communities more resilient with existing structures and housing that is at increasing risk from climate change. In this session of our Connecting for Conservation webinar series, we discussed community resilience and adaptation – and specifically managed retreat: the purposeful, coordinated movement of people, infrastructure, and communities away from a variety of climate related hazards such as sea level rise, flood, or prolonged drought. We heard from two organizations that have recently released reports on managed retreat about how it is part of a broader adaptation and resilience strategy in City of New York.

Micah McMillan

Senior Analyst, Natural Resources and Environment, ‎U.S. Government Accountability Office

Learn more about Micah

Joe Thompson

Assistant Director, Natural Resources and Environment, U.S. Government Accountability Office

Learn more about Joe

 

Katie Spidalieri

Senior Associate, Georgetown Climate Center

Learn more about Katie

Lauren Wang

‎Senior Policy Advisor – ‎NYC Mayor’s Office of Resiliency

Learn more about Lauren

 

Lida Aljabar

Senior Climate Resiliency Planner – ‎NYC Department of Housing Preservation & Development

Learn more about Lida

 

Dates

Date Start Time End Time
Sep. 8, 2020 12:00 pm 1:00 pm

Contact Information

Dominique Gómez: dominique.gomez@colostate.edu

Key Themes

  • Climate adaptation
  • Climate change
  • Community-based conservation
  • Conservation funding and finance
  • Diversity equity inclusion
  • Resiliency
  • Urban nature

Communities in North America—both coastal and inland— must better manage water in the face of drought, flooding, sea level rise, and urbanization. In this session of our Connecting for Conservation webinar series, we discussed stormwater management in cities and new ways of harnessing natural solutions and community building to promote resilience.

Dr. Aditi Bhaskar

Assistant Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado State University

Learn more about Dr. Bhaskar

 

Jaime González

Houston Healthy Cities Programs Director, The Nature Conservancy

Learn more about Jaime

 

 

Dates

Date Start Time End Time
Aug. 12, 2020 12:00 pm 1:00 pm

Contact Information

Dominique Gómez: dominique.gomez@colostate.edu

Key Themes

  • Climate adaptation
  • Climate change
  • Community-based conservation
  • Conservation policy
  • Diversity equity inclusion
  • Resiliency

In collaboration with an unprecedented coalition of university centers across the western United States, the Salazar Center is co-hosting a new webinar series! Conservation Conversations will explore the conservation challenges of the future and identify specific policies, programs, and strategies to help secure the long-term health of the nation’s natural resources, wildlife, and landscapes, and broaden the benefits for all Americans.

This installment of the series was hosted by the Ecosystem Workforce Program in collaboration between the Institute for a Sustainable Environment (University of Oregon) and the College of Forestry (Oregon State University), and panelists provided a range of perspectives from applied social science and policy action around wildfire to suggest bold new ideas about how people in the western U.S. may live with fire in the 21st century, and how conservation policy could spur more effective collective action to address wildfire risk across public and private lands.

Dates

Date Start Time End Time
Sep. 9, 2020 1:00 pm 2:00 pm

Contact Information

Dominique Gómez: dominique.gomez@colostate.edu

Conservation Conversations webinar series

Key Themes

  • Biodiversity
  • Climate adaptation
  • Climate change
  • Conservation policy
  • Resiliency

In collaboration with an unprecedented coalition of university centers across the western United States, the Salazar Center is co-hosting a new webinar series! Conservation Conversations will explore the conservation challenges of the future and identify specific policies, programs, and strategies to help secure the long-term health of the nation’s natural resources, wildlife, and landscapes, and broaden the benefits for all Americans.

The inaugural installment of the series was hosted by the University of California, Berkeley’s Institute for Parks, People and Biodiversity and explored the current effectiveness of biodiversity conservation, especially in light of climate change, within existing national parks, wilderness areas, national conservation areas, and other legally protected federal and state public lands. Panelists also discussed actions needed to meet the Convention on Biological Diversity goals of 30 by 30.

Dates

Date Start Time End Time
July 29, 2020 12:00 pm 1:00 pm

Contact Information

Dominique Gómez: dominique.gomez@colostate.edu

Conservation Conversations webinar series

Key Themes

  • Biodiversity
  • Climate change
  • Connectivity
  • Conservation policy
  • Healthy landscapes
  • Large landscapes
  • Resiliency