Wednesday, October 29th | 6 – 8 pm | Pavilion
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Wild Chile Botanical Area, home to over 25 different crop wild relatives, including some of the northernmost populations of chiltepin in the world. These wild cousins of domesticated crops carry valuable genetic traits, such as drought tolerance and disease resistance, that are essential for resilient foodways.
Join renowned ethnobotanist Gary Nabhan, along with special guests from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, New York Botanical Garden, Borderlands Restoration, and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, for a lively panel discussion facilitated by Tohono Chul Gardens & Facilities Manager Jack Dash, exploring the past, present, and future of the Wild Chile Botanical Area.
This exciting program will open with a short visual storytelling piece introduced by Luke Takata (Tohono Chul Engagement Manager) and close with a live audience Q & A.
This special program is a collaboration between Tohono Chul and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.
$10 Members | $15 General Public
Beverages and non-alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase.
Special thanks to the Lovejoy Center at the University of Arizona for making this important event possible. The Lovejoy Center advances the science and practice of biodiversity conservation through research, education, and cross-sector collaborations. Ahead of the Wild Chile Botanical Area 25th Anniversary public program at Tohono Chul, panelist Joshua Tewksbury (Ira Rubinoff Director of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute) will be giving a special talk at the Lovejoy Center on Tuesday, October 28 at 10 am. Click here for more information.