Heather Segale
The UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center (TERC) plays a critical role in preserving Lake Tahoe’s beauty and clarity. Members of the Rotary Club of Carson City and the public can learn about the center’s ongoing research at the club’s next meeting. TERC Education and Outreach Director Heather Segale will be the guest speaker at the March 21st meeting, which takes place at noon in the Brewery Arts Center’s Grand Ballroom.
“UC Davis has been conducting research at Lake Tahoe for more than six decades and has a long record of monitoring freshwater ecosystems,” Segale says. “Much of what we know about Lake Tahoe is due to this work.”
TERC’s research over the years has helped maintain the lake’s clarity, controlled invasive species, and detected the impacts of climate change on the lake and surrounding areas. The center produces The annual State of the Lake report which provides the science that federal, state, and local government agencies use to assess the lake's health and guide management decisions. This research is useful in understanding the impact of change in freshwater environments.
Segale says the Outreach and Education programs play a vital role in providing science-based information to both the public and government agencies. “That information helps foster responsible action and stewardship of the lake. We also offer tours of our facilities, hands-on educational programs for students, as well as programs for educators,” she explains. “We interact with more than 11,000 people each year through our programs.”
Anyone interested in learning more about the UC Davis Tahoe Environmental Research Center by attending the meeting should email carsoncitynvrotary@gmail.com. To learn more about the Rotary Club of Carson City visit www.carsonrotary.org.