Join us for an evening of captivating stories that explore our connection to winter. From the wonder of snowfall to the traditions it inspires, and the science that unravels its mysteries, ‘Chasing Snow’ celebrates the many ways winter shapes our lives. Through diverse perspectives, we’ll uncover tales of discovery, creativity, and the enduring allure of the cold season. Come ready to be inspired.
DRI Storyteller:
Anne Heggli, Ph.D. is a snow and water scientist focused on improving observational methods and actionable environmental data as a research scientist at DRI. Her work focuses on long-term monitoring of mountain hydro/biosphere systems that informs the understanding of larger scale processes and water resources. Her entrepreneurial background in international weather monitoring, hardware development, and sensor systems consulting has perfectly prepared her to advance practical climate and weather research in the academic and public agency space.
Anne’s story will weave together her upbringing on the American River, snow monitoring, and her research in the Snake Range in Eastern Nevada (partially funded by the Long Now Foundation).
Featured Speakers:
Autumn Harry (she/her) is a member of the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe. She is Numu (Northern Paiute) on her paternal side and Diné (Navajo) on her maternal side. Autumn has spent her entire life learning and fishing in Kooyooe Pa’a Panunadu (Pyramid Lake, NV). Autumn recently graduated with a Masters of Science from the University of Nevada, Reno where she studied Geography with a focus on the reclamation of Numu place names at Kooyooe Pa’a Panunadu. Autumn identifies as a fisherwoman, land defender, Indigenous rights advocate, visual artist and fly fishing guide.
 
Shaun Griffin is a poet, author, and bridge-builder dedicated to fostering community where it is most needed. Griffin was appointed to the role of Nevada Poet Laureate on May 1, 2024,and will serve through April 30, 2026. He has spent decades amplifying voices through poetry, education, and advocacy. He co-founded Community Chest, a nonprofit serving children and families in rural Nevada, and directed the Nevada Office for Education of Homeless Children and Youth. For more than 30 years, he has led a poetry workshop at Northern Nevada Correctional Center, publishing Razor Wire, a journal of inmate writing.
Griffin’s work spans poetry, essays, translations, and memoirs, including Anthem for a Burnished Land. A lifelong advocate for the arts, he curated a 25-year poetry series at Reno’s Sundance Books and hosts the biweekly podcast A Writer’s World. His contributions have earned him the Governor’s Award for Excellence in the Arts, induction into the Nevada Writers Hall of Fame, and other honors recognizing his profound impact on Nevada’s literary and social landscape.
Thank you to our community partner Nevada Humanities, our media sponsor KUNR, and our exclusive beverage sponsor 10 Torr. Â
 
