Science Moab on Tap

Science Moab on Tap is the offspring of Science Moab, which was created by Kristina Young, an ecologist who wanted to engage people in science focusing on Southeastern Utah and the Colorado Plateau. Science Moab has a continuing presence in the Moab community where residents and visitors can hear and learn about local science in…

Shannan Butler

April 7, 2020

Science Moab on Tap

Who’da thunk that beer can build brain cells? But that’s what you get with Moab Science on Tap—a whole lot of science, as much beer as you want (responsibly), and a gathering of community.

Science Moab wanted to present a different approach in which locals learn more about the area in which they live, so Science Moab on Tap was born.

“We knew science and beer go well together, but we were blown away by how many people have ended up coming to these events. We’re really excited that so many people in the community want to learn about the science happening around Moab,” says founder Kristina Young. “We have a lot of people doing really cool science here, and we wanted to make sure everyone in the community has access to that science. Where better than our local bar to bring people together and make science fun, engaging and not intimidating?”

According to Natalie Day, one of the volunteer/scientists of Science Moab, the Science Moab on Tap events have been full from the first event in December 2018. Everyone who attends agrees that Science Moab on Tap has been “Amazing!”

Before the guest speaker got on stage at the January show, Day announced Science Moab will soon be getting non-profit status, which brought cheers and applause from a full house.

The “on tap” series only happens during Moab’s off-season. Kristina explains that “We wanted to make sure these events were geared towards the local community, as a way to come together and celebrate all of the amazing scientists we have down here in Moab.” By having events in the winter, “the bar is full of people who live here in Moab, and are excited to learn things about their own backyard.”

January featured Chris Benson, a geologist with the USGS, who presented his talk on “Carving the Canyonlands” on the Colorado River gravels, Mill Creek stream terraces, salty-subsidence in the Moab area, and the annual drop of the Moab Valley. Benson’s presentation was informative, clear, even hilarious, and many were intrigued by his information, especially relating to new data on how the Moab valley was formed.

Chris said it best for the Moab locals, “If nothing else, at the end of the day you’re feeling a little worn down, or you know, a little salty and you have that sinking feeling, just remember it’s not you, it’s actually the geology of Moab.”

Beer Stories, Moab

Shannan Butler

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our dogs has been our escape for the past twelve years. (If you don’t like dogs, take your kids, your bikes, your jeep, your UTV or ATV and have a blast. Just don’t bring your cats.

Sandwiched between Canyonlands and Arches National Parks, Moab has attracted international attention for its rare accessible beauty. We met a Parisian lady at the Hoodoo Hotel sitting in a hot tub under the stars. “I just love it here,” She told us. She jets from Paris to Moab to relax.

When I spend time here, my asthma is at bay. We go on long walks, take in scenic vistas; the massive starlit night; no freeway noise, and less anxiety.

Last season, I had the pleasure of experiencing River rafting the Green and the Colorado Rivers with two of Moab’s most trusted river rafting companies: Navtec and Sheri Griffith. We took our kids down the Green River. Disneyland’s long lines for Splash Mountain have nothing on The Gates of Lodore’s whitewater rapids.

Like everyone who comes to Moab, I am a nature and quiet lover. Permeating our cities are noise, pollution, road rage and anxious vibes. Moab is a great escape. After covering Moab for more than 15 years, I’ve become aware how city-dwellers’ proclivities and priorities – with all of the best intentions – can destroy small, quaint places economically for working class families.

In our last issue we profiled people who have made their lives in Helper, Utah. We pointed out how Helper and Carbon County only function due to the coal mining industry and hard-working class residents. Without capitalism, with its sometimes dirty, polluting and soul-sucking work, there would be no working class and family economic viability.

Perhaps it goes without saying that towns can’t function as tourist destinations without the risk taking of small entrepreneurs and family-operated businesses. So why am I saying it? Because there are fewer places than ever in Utah where families can afford to live. Moab is quickly becoming one of those unaffordable places. Homes here average $500K and there are an excess of properties in Moab costing more than $1 million.

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