Epiphyte Diversity and Distribution in an Old Growth Sitka Spruce Crown

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Various epiphytes such as lichens, mosses, leafy liverworts, and ferns are known to inhabit the crowns and boles of old-growth conifers and hardwoods. This study looks at the diversity and distribution of epiphytes on a single old-growth Sitka spruce tree. Data were analyzed to test for significant relationships between species richness, abundance, height distribution, and substrate type.

Epiphyte Diversity in Sitka Spruce Crowns

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

We inventoried the epiphyte community in one 87 m tall Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) tree in the Redwood Experimental Forest north of Klamath, CA. For our inventory, we sampled approximately 5% of trunk, segment, branch, and branchlet area and found over 50 species of epiphytes. Functional groups of these epiphytes include microlichens, macrolichens, leafy liverworts, mosses, and ferns. For all epiphyte samples we estimated percent cover for spatial analyses of within-crown epiphyte distribution relative to crown height and distance from the bole. In this project we showcase some of the impressive biological diversity and introduce viewers to a variety of lesser-known botanical species.

Equitable Self-Assessment and Intervention Practices in Supplemental Instruction

Isabella Donato, Biological Sciences Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

To promote equitable learning and assessment practices in Supplemental Instruction classrooms, weekly surveys were conducted in a BIOL 198 SI course linked to a Genetics (BIOL 340) core class. These weekly surveys provided opportunities for students to reflect on the effectiveness of their learning strategies. The Supplemental Instruction Leader then implemented activities during class to focus on reading comprehension and test preparation, the two areas indicated by students as their areas of least confidence. Quantitative and qualitative data demonstrated improvement in SI student reflections of self-efficacy throughout a non-consecutive six-week period.

Eschscholzia Californica Shows Evidence of Fitness Based Local and Home-site Advantage Regardless of Morphological Patterns

Sage Brislen, Forestry, Fire & Rangeland Management Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

California poppy (Eschscholzia californica), the state flower, varies in lifespan and phenotype across its range. It's widely used in restoration, yet local adaptation is poorly understood. We conducted two common garden studies in coastal and inland California using seeds from seven locations. After greenhouse germination, plants were grown in Santa Cruz and Davis. We measured survival, growth, reproduction, and leaf traits. Results show evidence of local adaptation in fitness (survival and seed production), though not always in morphology. This suggests local seed sourcing is crucial for maintaining genetic diversity in restoration amid climate change.

Establishment patterns of Oregon white oak and California black oak woodlands in northwestern California

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Oregon white oak (Quercus garryana) and California black oak (Q. kelloggii) woodlands are unique ecosystems, yet little is known about their tree establishment patterns, nor the variability of stand structure. Research objectives were: to describe age, stand structure, and tree regeneration in 4 mixed oak-conifer woodlands in northwestern California. Most white and black oaks established from 1850-1910 with rare establishment since 1950 (< 0.05%). Most Douglas-fir trees established since ~ 1950. All sites had high proportions of oak seedling mortality in open stands. These trends likely reflect the effects of altered disturbance regimes enabling the transition to conifer-dominant stands.

Etching Patterns of Pyroxene Crystals via Scanning Electron Microscopy Determine the Relative Age of Glacial Moraines in Mohawk Valley, northern Sierra Nevada, CaliforniaC

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Research was conducted in an effort to date the glacial moraines of this area using the degree of etching caused by weathering over time. It was determined that etching of hornblende grains can be used to quantify the age of glacial moraines. Samples were collected from five different glacial moraines from Frazier Falls in the Mohawk Valley of the northeastern Sierra Nevada Mountains. Fine sand samples were cleaned, sorted and analyzed; using soil science techniques. Thirty hornblende grains from each location were individually chosen and mounted for analysis. Backscatter electrons and secondary electrons in the scanning electron microscope were used to analyze the etching of the hornbl

Ethnozoology in North America

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Exploring what ethnozoology is and how various Native American tribes used traditional ecological knowledge and ethnozoology to learn about animals and apply that knowledge to their way of life. The project will also cover how ethnozoology can be applied to our research, treatment, and conservation of animals throughout the country today.

Evaluating Approaches to changing visitor behavior with the B.A.R.K. Ranger Program

Nizhoni Kears, College Corp Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Headwaters Forest Reserve, located in Southern Eureka, protects over 7,400 acres of old-growth and second-growth redwood forest, sensitive riparian habitat, and threatened species. As recreation use increases, managing the impacts of pets — especially dogs — has become a growing challenge for both resource protection and visitor experience. In partnership with the College Corps program, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) launched the B.A.R.K. Ranger Program at Headwaters following a successful student pitch that won funding. This national visitor education initiative promotes responsible pet recreation through positive messaging and public engagement.

Evaluating Samsung SmartTags as a Low-Cost Wildlife Tracking Tool

Daniel Meng, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Samsung smart tags are used as a tool for tracking the location of mule deer and assessing their use in different environments with levels of urbanisation.

Evaluating the Effects of Grazed and Ungrazed Habitat on Raptor Abundance

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

I examined the effects of ungrazed and grazed habitats on two raptor species, Northern Harriers and Red-tailed Hawks. The study evaluates how raptor abundance varies between the two habitat types, as well as, how factors such as rodent abundance and perch availability influence their distributions.