Submitted by Miranda Devi Redmond on
Dryland woodland ecosystems worldwide have experienced the effects of a rapidly changing climate and extreme wildfire behavior, resulting in widespread drought‐ and heat‐related tree mortality events and tree range shifts across a continental scale. In contrast to other forest types where the emphasis has been on the silvicultural enhancement of ecosystem resilience and restoration of structural heterogeneity, limited information is available for management to improve drought resilience in semiarid woodlands. This challenge is especially acute in pinyon–juniper woodlands, a dominant vegetation type across western North America that has experienced extensive tree die‐off and range shifts over the past several decades. Students would have the opportunity to focus on two interrelated projects: 1. One project focused on assessing drought resilience in pinyon-juniper woodlands and the efficacy of different silvicultural treatments at enhancing woodland health and fire risk reduction; 2. Another project focused on forest range shifts across the western U.S. by integrating tree seed production with seedling recruitment across broad environmental gradients. Students would have the opportunity to work on one or both projects, depending on their interest.
The undergraduate researchers will contribute to weighing, cleaning, and sorting seeds from seed traps, and inputting and managing field-collected site assessment data. They may also develop methods for automated image analysis of canopy cover and seed traits, as well as organizing, mounting, and digitizing herbarium specimens.
Students with strong interests in forestry, plant ecology, image analyses and laboratory work will find the experience most rewarding. The student should be comfortable and enthusiastic about completing repetitive, detailed computer and laboratory work while maintaining focus and producing good quality data. Attention to detail and good record keeping skills are essential. Students with particular interest in botany or seed trait analysis should note that in their applications.