Effects of Sea-level Rise on Marsh Bird Population

Alondra Cardona, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

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.

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.

Factors Influencing Extended Periods of Inactivity in Barred Owls

Emily Mora, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

This study aimed to understand the factors influencing extended periods of inactivity in barred owls. We analyzed environmental factors, such as temperature and seasonal variations, along with individual characteristics like sex, to better understand their activity patterns. The findings could aid in developing more effective management strategies for barred owls through targeted removal programs, ultimately improving conservation efforts for the threatened northern spotted owl.

Forest Edge Effects on Insects in Coastal Redwoods

Sebastian Mendoza, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

When it comes to coastal redwood forests, there aren’t many studies that focus on insect abundance being affected by edge effects. The focus of this study is to see what species of insects are being affected by the forest edge. I will assess this question using pitfalls and sticky traps to trap ground insects and flying insects, respectively. I hypothesize that the closer distance from the edge habitat will positively influence insect diversity. This study will allow future researchers to see if there’s a correlation between insect abundance and other species that use insects as a food source.

Gender, Colonialism, and the Epistemology of Mycology

Toni Sardelis, Biological Sciences Undergraduate Student

Other

This paper critically examines the exclusion of Indigenous women and early women scientists from the field of mycology. It highlights how their ecological, medicinal, and ceremonial knowledge was appropriated by men who received institutional credit, authorship, and economic gain. Case studies include María Sabina, Mary Elizabeth Banning, Mapuche women, and more, whose work has been essential yet erased. It also critiques how contemporary myco-capitalism and tourism commodify their knowledge and cultural practices without consent, often disrupting local economies and ecosystems. The paper calls for accountability in attribution, citation, representation, and benefit-sharing.

Great Blue Herons and feeding ecology (title may change at a later date)

Thalia Contreras, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

How successful great blue herons are with their feeding strategies and how anthropogenic factors may influence behavior in the ardeids.

Habitat Variation and Shorebird Roosting Flocks: Examining Species Composition Across Arcata Marsh

Karl Vanuska, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

This research project looks at how species composition in shorebird roosting flocks varies across different locations within Arcata Marsh. This research assess how environmental factors, such as substrate type, vegetation cover, proximity to foraging areas, and tidal conditions, influence species richness and diversity at roosting sites. As well as if behavior may change due to species composition within roosting flocks.

How Do Anthropogenic Disturbances Affect Marbled Godwits in Humboldt Bay

Emma Leininger, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

How Do Anthropogenic Disturbances Affect Marbled Godwits in Humboldt Bay? I looked into how different types of human disturbances effect responses and vigilance in marbled godwits.

How Does Habitat Ecological Resolution Effect Bat Population in Arcata CA and Trinity CA?

Katrina Maynez , Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Bat acoustic survey done in Arcata CA and Trinity CA across 6 different sites. How does habitat ecological resolutions effect bat population in Arcata CA vs Trinity CA?

How Ecological Restoration Affects Mammalian Species Diversity and Evenness in Coastal Dune Systems

Samantha Lieburn, Wildlife Undergraduate Student

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

I tested the effects of differning landscape management practices at two different coastal dune systems in Humboldt County , California. I did this to see how ecological restoration of native plant compositions affected mammalian species richness and evenness.