NightLife: Of Land and Sea

California is home to a wide range of ecosystems, each with their own unique array of flora and fauna. The richness of California’s biodiversity can be found in all corners of our state, from the snow-capped peaks of the Sierra Nevada to the underwater kelp forests of the Pacific, and the dynamic tide pools where land meets sea. Explore how our community finds inspiration in the nature that surrounds us, and celebrate the intersection of culture and the environment in the Golden State.

• While surfing might be seen as an exclusive sport dominated by white, male surfers, Brown Girl Surf (BGS) is here to change that narrative. Working to build a more diverse and inclusive surfing community, Brown Girl Surf is both increasing access to surfing and amplifying the voices of surfers of color, all while taking care of the Earth. Hear from a panel of incredible BGS community members, moderated by BGS volunteer and Academy’s own Olivia VanDamme. Then check out BGS Program Specialist Marlim Reynosa as she performs a traditional Afro-Caribbean dance to the rhythms of palo and salve music - a nod to her Dominican roots and culture.
   
• Whether it’s living in a fire-prone area or having to shelter in place from heavy, toxic smoke, everyone in California feels the effects of annual wildfires. While wildfire resilience feels like an uphill battle, Assistant Professor of Anthropology, Geography & Environmental Studies Tony Marks-Block explains that we can find solutions in the longstanding cultural burning practices of indigenous communities. Join Tony in a discussion about the history of cultural burns in California, and uncover how these indigenous solutions can bolster native wildlife and ecosystems.
   
• Unlocked Art Lab’s Tiffany Bozic is back for a “quintessential California” watercolor workshop that focuses on native plants and animals. Tiffany will lead us through the fundamentals of drawing using the Academy’s collections as inspiration, while Curator of Ornithology and Mammalogy Jack Dumbacher reveals some of the intriguing stories behind these unique specimens.