To a casual observer, Nevada may appear to be an endless desert, devoid of life. Yet Nevada is a remarkably biodiverse place, as spotlighted at the University’s Museum of Natural History.

Beth Leger, Foundation Professor and director of the Museum of Natural History, will share more insight into the incredible biodiversity of the state as part of the Tahoe Series at the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe.

On Thursday, May 7 at 6 p.m., Leger will talk about how the Museum of Natural History has served as a steward of Nevada’s life. From fish to flowers to finches, the Museum houses thousands of specimens that can and have been used in research to understand the past, present and future.

“Nevada is a spectacular place, home to plants and animals found nowhere else,” Leger said. “The large areas of undeveloped land are unique in the lower 48 states, and there are still discoveries to be made, practically in our own backyards”

The Museum of Natural History has had thousands of visitors and participated in hundreds of outreach events since it was created in 2013. The Museum’s specimens have been used in hundreds of scientific publications, by University faculty and students and the broader scientific committee.

Last year, the Museum also installed an aquatic invertebrate collection at the University of Nevada, Reno at Lake Tahoe. Museum staff and curators will also be present, with plant and animal specimens that attendees can see before and after the lecture.

This free event includes a light hosted reception and free parking. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and registration is available via Eventbrite.

The Tahoe Series is designed to showcase the University’s professors who are leading experts in their fields, including poetry, photography, journalism and science.