After Dark: What Grows Back

Plants demonstrate incredible resilience and play an essential role in our ecology. Explore the physical connections to plants through our galleries and a special presentation of Between Earth & Sky, an award-winning documentary featuring renowned ecologist and rainforest canopy researcher Nalini Nadkarni. This inspiring story weaves her personal life with lessons learned about ecological vitality.

"Between Earth & Sky" 7:30 PM, Kanbar Forum

Nalini Nadkarni is a world-renowned ecologist who climbs trees in the rainforest canopy to study “what grows back” after an ecological disturbance. In 2015, her rope snapped on a research climb, and she fell fifty feet from a tree and nearly died. After making a miraculous recovery, Nalini begins to explore a new research subject: herself.

Join us for this award-winning documentary, shortlisted for the 2024 Academy Awards. Following the screening, filmmaker Andrew Nadkarni will be joined in conversation with the Exploratorium’s Program Director, Sam Sharkland.

Resilience in Nature and Ourselves 9:00 PM, Kanbar Forum

Share your stories and perspectives on the inspirations you find in nature in this community-centered discussion, guided by filmmaker Andrew Nadkarni.

Through educational events, community screenings, and workshops, filmmaker Andrew Nadkarni brings documentary films to nature-deprived audiences, highlighting connections between nature and human health, and the ubiquity of disturbance and recovery. He integrates sustainability, community care, and trauma-informed practices into his artistic process.

Living Systems - Self-Guided Exhibit Tour 8:00 - 9:00 PM, Moore Gallery 4: Living Systems