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Science Connections with Derrick Taff
Oct 10 - Oct 11, 2023
Join Rocky Mountain Conservancy for this engaging lecture series at The Old Gallery in Allenspark!
Connecting specialty science, local research, current events and fascinating topics to the public, the Rocky Mountain Conservancy is eager to collaborate with the Old Gallery to present Science Connections. An extension of the Conservancy Field Institute, this speaker series connects expert scientists, historians, and naturalists to the community, bringing high level research to the public in an approachable and comfortable setting. These neighborhood discussions will allow time for questions and discussion after the presentation.
On October 10, Derrick Taff of Penn State University will present, “Social Science Research to Inform Visitor Use Management – Human Waste Management at Longs Peak, and Revisiting Boulderers’ Perceptions of Leave No Trace Practices.” Perpetual increases in visitation and changes in use patterns in Rocky Mountain National Park have created unique impacts to the park’s resources. This talk will share two examples case studies of social science research that aims to inform management strategies regarding human waste disposal, and climbing (specifically bouldering) management through the lens of Leave No Trace education. Join us to learn more about Derrick’s research here in Rocky Mountain National Park!
Who: open to the public, suggested age 14 and up
When: Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at 5:00 pm
Where: The Old Gallery, 14863 Colorado 7, Allenspark, CO, 80510
This event is free to attend, but please RSVP by clicking on the button below so we know how many chairs to set up. Thanks!
About the presenter: Derrick Taff is a Visiting Social Scientist with Leave No Trace (Sabbatical 2023), and an Associate Professor in the Recreation, Park and Tourism Management Department at Penn State University. His research strives to improve communication strategies aimed at influencing human health and environmental sustainability in parks and protected areas. Much of his research has focused on Leave No Trace-based communication strategies and how to positively influence human perceptions and behaviors in a manner that promotes social and ecological well-being.
Derrick has nearly 20 years of experience in higher education and protected areas management research, with previous stints working for the National Park Service in Rocky Mountain National Park and at the Denver Service Center. He holds a PhD from Colorado State University in Human Dimensions of Natural Resources, and a Master’s Degree in American Studies, as well as a Bachelor’s Degree in Wilderness Recreation from the University of Alabama.