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 analyze available data in order to develop an allometry relating pinyon pine cone production (an important metric of forest health & regeneration) to tree size, as well as to assist in developing a protocol for growing pinyon pine seedlings in greenhouses for restoration plantings.
The undergraduate researcher will contribute to analyzing field-collected site data on tree traits, health, and cone production; the exact research question can be developed based on student interests. They will also assist with pinyon pine seed stratification, care, and watering in greenhouses.
Students with strong interests in forestry, plant ecology, and greenhouse 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 data analysis or greenhouse work should note that in their applications.