It has been 45 years since Mount St. Helens erupted on May 18, 1980. How have ecological communities recovered since this major disturbance? Come learn how plants have recolonized, survived, and adapted to this once barren environment. Discover how this natural experiment has provided valuable lessons on ecological resilience in an era of major global change. 

Dr. Cynthia Chang is an Associate Professor at University of Washington-Bothell, School of STEM, Division of Biology. She is a plant ecologist who has done long term research on Mount St. Helens since 2011. She thinks broadly about the importance of biodiversity on ecosystem resilience to global change and disturbance, as well as the importance of human diversity and inclusion in the STEM field. 

Enjoy 15% off your hotel stay on History Pub nights! Show your ticket at check-in.

These events are open to everyone interested in Pacific Northwest history, and beyond! Often co-sponsored by local or state historical and civic organizations, we bring you experts, scholars, first-person experiencers, historians and documentaries expounding on topics from indigenous history to the birth of Portland, early explorers to hop growing, and on and on! It's like being back in the classroom - except this time you get to settle into comfortable seats and enjoy a drink or two with dinner while you listen and learn.

This event is eligible for a History Pub Stamp