October 26, 2026 – Upper Merced River Watershed Council officials invite the community to check out the next in their State of the River series as part of the monthly Science on Tap, hosted by the Local Grape and the UC Cooperative Extension. Our own board member Margarita King and Dr. Mimi Carter will talk about how engaging with the outdoors--like within our Merced River watershed--leads to better health outcomes.

Science on Tap State of the River Speaker Series is co-sponsored by the Upper Merced River Watershed Council. This event will be held on Monday, November 16, 2026, with public talks beginning at 5:30 P.M., doors open at 5:00 P.M. at The Local Grape located at 5021 CA-140 in Mariposa.

Admission is free. Cheese boards & paninis available for purchase.

Why the outdoors matter for your health:

Research shows that connection with nature--in places like our Merced River--is linked to a decrease in stress and anxiety and can improve your mood and focus. Mariposa County Public Health Officer Dr. Mimi Carter and Mariposa County Public Health Nurse Manager Margarita King will discuss the many ways we can access the natural environment. Come and learn about the concept of One Health and how local health practitioners and community partners are trying to incorporate these ideas to help improve the health of Mariposa and our surrounding communities.

Science on Tap brings regional scientists together with Mariposa community members to share the joy and urgency of recent discoveries--from the outermost reaches of space and time to the everyday laboratory in our backyards.

Source: Upper Merced River Watershed Council