Effects of Habitat on Mesocarnivore Activity in the Coastal Dunes of Northern California

The Ma-le'l coastal dunes of northern California have been affected by the invasion of dense European beachgrass. In response, USFWS and BLM have removed beachgrass in an attempt to restore native ecosystem function. Mesocarnivores play vital roles in trophic webs, and previous research has suggested that they are more active in restored dunes than in areas with dense beachgrass. However, distance to nearby coastal dune forests could affect mesocarnivore activity and may have confounded previous work. We conducted an observational study using remote cameras and found the detection rate mesocarnivores declined with distance to forest.

Effects of Human Activity on Urban Birds

The rapid expansion of urban areas has reduced and eliminated habitats for birds. For the purpose of this study, the goal was to evaluate how bird abundance and species richness varied from sunrise to sunset along a gradient of human activity, and how it influenced the presence of species richness and abundance of birds throughout the day.

Effects of moonlight illumination on animal-vehicle collisions

Sidney Wells, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

Effects of moonlight illumination on animal-vehicle collisions

Effects of Ramorum Leaf Blight on Tanoak and California Bay Foliage

Redwood National Park, CA has recently been infected with Phytophthora ramorum, the pathogen that causes sudden oak death and ramorum leaf blight. Two common understory hardwoods, tanoak and California bay, are commonly infected by ramorum leaf blight. Foliage samples were collected from Tall Trees Grove and, photosynthetic capacity, stomatal conductance, and water potential readings were taken. Ramorum leaf blight decreased the photosynthetic capacity in both of the study species without affecting water use efficiency. The decline in photosynthesis leaves plants vulnerable, increasing the chances of further infection from separate pathogens.

Effects of Sea-level Rise on Marsh Bird Population

Alondra Cardona, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

The study focuses on the effects of tidal change on marsh bird communities. A positive trend in sea level rise has been detected for the past years with approximately 20 cm increase of sea level rise per century. This can affect bird populations on wetland habitats. This study will provide data on bird species diversity at the study site and determine what bird species are more susceptible to population decrease based on habitat loss from sea level rise. The study results can call more attention on the most vulnerable bird species to prevent species extinction in marsh habitats.

Effects of Substrate Rugosity on Abundance and Gonad Condition of Purple Urchins (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) in the Intertidal Zone

Victoria Johnson, Biological Sciences Undergraduate Student

In northern California, purple urchin (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus) populations have exploded, leading to an invasion of the intertidal zone with potential consequences for those communities. We aimed to determine if there was a relationship between surface rugosity and urchin abundance and condition in this recently invaded habitat. We found that urchins took advantage of any intertidal habitat, as abundance was independent of surface rugosity. However, surface rugosity was related to urchin condition, with urchins on rougher surfaces in better condition than those on other surfaces. Rocky intertidal surfaces may therefore provide refugia for overabundant subtidal urchin populations.

Effects of Supplemental Feeding on Migratory and Resident Hummingbirds

This is my Senior project where I analyzed which feeding preference hummingbirds preferred in relation to hummingbird feeders and natural flowers given equal access to the two variables. Supplemental feeding has a massive effect on foraging behavior of all species, and research on how this effects populations is needed to inform citizens on how to safely and properly partake in this popular pastime.

Effects of tidal conditions on egret foraging behavior in Arcata Marsh

Tania Estrada Rodriguez, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

This study examines how tidal levels impact egret foraging behavior in the Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary (AMWS) in Humboldt County, California. This study aims to expand upon the limited existing research on the relationship between tidal conditions and egret foraging and to determine the effects of tide levels on egret foraging behavior. Additionally, the study assesses the influence of temperature, overcast, tide, and waterfowl presence on egret foraging behavior and measures egret strike rate and success as parameters for assessing the overall impact of high and low tides on their foraging behavior.

Efficacy of Variable Density Thinning at Redwood National Park.

Our group’s senior thesis investigated the physiological and water potential responses of redwood and tanoak trees to various thinning treatments that occurred during the Summer of 2017 in Redwood National Park. We selected 47 individual study trees among five different thinning intensities (No cut, 25%, 40%, 55%, and 75%) across three 1-hectare fixed-area plots. Our initial findings indicate a certain sweet spot which the trees seem to favor. Stop by our booth to learn more!

Electrified Transit Infrastructure Planning for Humboldt County

The California Air Resources Board has set goals for all public transit fleets in the state to be zero-emission by 2040. To meet that target, transit agencies are required to begin shifting to battery electric and fuel cell buses now. In 2019, the Schatz Center developed a model for the system-wide electrification of Humboldt County's public transit. This Battery Electric Bus Optimization (BEBOP) model cost-optimizes a one-to-one replacement of all buses on existing routes, generates recommendations for charging infrastructure, and calculates the electricity consumption profiles for each station. This model significantly expands the available development tools for rural planning agencies.