With the author of Tahoma and Its People: A Natural History of Mount Rainier National Park

Part of the Olympia Mountaineers Adventure Speaker Series.

Location: Friends Meeting Hall in north Olympia near Priest Point Park

Jeff Antonelis-Lapp, Evergreen emeritus faculty member and author, will share insights on the unique natural and environmental history of Mount Rainier, drawn from his recent book, Tahoma and Its People: A Natural History of Mount Rainier National Park.

Free and open to the public, the lecture will take place at the historic Lord Mansion, in the South Capitol neighborhood, whose stewardship was transferred by the Washington State Legislature to Evergreen in 2018.

A passionate science educator presents a natural and environmental history of Mount Rainier National Park and the surrounding region. Jeff Antonelis-Lapp explores geologic processes, plant and animal communities, weather and climate influences, and what linked the iconic mountain with the people who traveled to it. He intersperses his own direct observation and study of organisms, as well as personal interactions with other experts. Topics include geology, archaeology, indigenous villages and use of resources, climate and glacier studies, alpine and forest ecology, rivers, watershed dynamics, keystone species, threatened wildlife, geological hazards, and current resource management.

Jeff Antonelis-Lapp holds an M.Ed. in science education from the University of Washington.

“The mountain has many secrets…Antonelis-Lapp parts the mists for us to better see the history, legend, and nature of Tahoma.”— Jonathan B. Jarvis, Mount Rainier National Park Superintendent 1999-2002, 18^th Director of the National Park Service

” Antonelis-Lapp illuminates scientists’ work with excellent first-hand reporting… and he brings back stories that will change the way we think about our mountain and our earth.”—Tim McNulty, author of Mount Rainier National Park, and Olympic National Park, A Natural History

“A masterful natural history that includes an accurate and respectful rendering of the long-standing relationship of Indian people to Mount Rainier or, as my ancestors knew it, Taqó·bid.”—Donny Stevenson, Tribal Council Vice-Chair, Muckleshoot Indian Tribe