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BRUSHWOOD CENTER
  • ABOUT
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    • Visit Us
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  • EVENTS
  • ART
    • Gallery >
      • Current & Upcoming Exhibitions
      • Past Exhibitions
    • BASE - Brushwood Art Supply Exchange
    • Classes >
      • Botanical Art Academy
      • Create and Sip Classes
      • Drawing Fundamentals for Beginners
      • Make With Me Classes
    • Calls for Art
  • MUSIC
  • WELLNESS
    • 2023 Nature Explorer Backpack Project
    • Health, Equity, and Nature Accelerator
    • Drip & Culture - On the Grounds
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  • Smith Nature Symposium
  • >
  • Past Smith Nature Symposia
  • >
  • 2014 · Beth Shapiro and Joel Greenberg

​2014 Smith Nature Symposium
What Killed the Mammoths: Ancient DNA and Mass Extinctions
Keynote Speaker: Beth Shaprio

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What makes species go extinct? Can you clone a mammoth? Evolutionary biologist Beth Shapiro analyzes the genes of ancient plants and animals to trace the complex relationship between environment, extinction and the evolution of species. The discovery two decades ago that DNA could be extracted from fossil remains launched a new field of study ― molecular palentology. Using DNA recovered from these remains, it was possible to trace the evolution of species on a molecular level, actually watching evolution as it happens. By understanding how populations and species evolve, that information can be used to make decisions on how to better manage problems such as species extinction or habitat destruction. An international expert on ancient DNA, Shapiro has worked with DNA from mammoths, dodos, passenger pigeons, and other extinct species.

2014 Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods Award Recipient: Joel Greenberg


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21850 N. Riverwoods Rd.
​Riverwoods, IL 60015
224.633.2424 info@brushwoodcenter.org

ABOUT BRUSHWOOD
BECOME A PARTNER
VOLUNTEER AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES
Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods is committed to enabling the participation and enjoyment of our programming and events for all visitors. At Brushwood Center, you will have open access to accessible parking and entrance to the house, a gender neutral bathroom, and changing tables.

If you require certain accommodations in order to observe or attend our events, or have questions regarding accessibility of our facilities, please contact our Director of Public Programs and Music, Parker Nelson, at pnelson@brushwoodcenter.org or at (224) 633-2424 ext. 1.

Programming and events at Brushwood Center are available to everyone, including but not limited to age, disability, gender, marital status, national origin, race, religion, and sexual orientation.​


Site Photography by: In Life Photography, Michael Kardas Photography, Ewa Pasek Photography, and Brushwood Staff​

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​OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
Monday - Thursday & Saturday: 10am - 3pm
Sunday: 1pm - 3pm
and by appointment 
  • ABOUT
    • Our Mission and Vision
    • Our Board
    • Our Partners
    • Our Staff
    • In the News
    • Blog
    • Join Our Mailing List
    • Visit Us
    • Contact Us
  • EVENTS
  • ART
    • Gallery >
      • Current & Upcoming Exhibitions
      • Past Exhibitions
    • BASE - Brushwood Art Supply Exchange
    • Classes >
      • Botanical Art Academy
      • Create and Sip Classes
      • Drawing Fundamentals for Beginners
      • Make With Me Classes
    • Calls for Art
  • MUSIC
  • WELLNESS
    • 2023 Nature Explorer Backpack Project
    • Health, Equity, and Nature Accelerator
    • Drip & Culture - On the Grounds
    • At Ease: Art and Nature for Veterans
    • It's A W.I.N. - Programming for Community
    • Senior Wellness
  • RENTALS
  • SUPPORT
    • Donate
    • Our Sponsors