February 14, 2018

Blog

Building Markets for Wetland Restoration: Challenges and Considerations in Colorado’s Yampa Valley— Dimitria Spathakis (2/11/2024) - How can additive conservation measures be financially incentivized on Western working lands?  Working with Colorado Cattlemen's Agricultural Land Trust (CCALT),… Read more about Building Markets for Wetland Restoration: Challenges and Considerations in Colorado’s Yampa Valley— Dimitria Spathakis[…]
Muddying the Water—Alex Wells (1/31/2024) - Let’s say that you live in northeast Nevada and ranch a stretch of sagebrush watered by a small cottonwood-lined creek.… Read more about Muddying the Water—Alex Wells[…]
Introducing Erosion Structures in Dryland Streams—Alaina Geibig (1/31/2024) - It was early in the morning, but the summer sun was already high above the horizon. I squinted, fumbling to… Read more about Introducing Erosion Structures in Dryland Streams—Alaina Geibig[…]
A Monitoring Plan for Beaver Wellbeing and Hydrologic Impacts (1/20/2024) - Photo Credit: Chip Caroon Effective ecological monitoring is a critical component of managing ecosystems in a way that balances the… Read more about A Monitoring Plan for Beaver Wellbeing and Hydrologic Impacts[…]
Local Payment for an Ecosystem-Service-Model for Working Lands Stewardship (12/6/2023) - In partnership with The Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust, UHPSI research assistants are exploring possibilities of developing a payment-for-ecosystem services… Read more about Local Payment for an Ecosystem-Service-Model for Working Lands Stewardship[…]
Who Cares?—Sam Wilson (9/22/2023) - I was explaining my research to someone recently and the proceeding conversation got me thinking. When I described my project… Read more about Who Cares?—Sam Wilson[…]
Reflecting On a Summer in the San Luis Valley – Kathleen Voight (9/20/2023) - During the several months of interviews I conducted, I met with ranchers in work trucks, in hay barns, and in… Read more about Reflecting On a Summer in the San Luis Valley – Kathleen Voight[…]
A Night of Astronomy—Uthara Vengrai (9/10/2023) - The astronomer walks up to the podium and everyone goes quiet. There are probably 80 people sitting in this amphitheater… Read more about A Night of Astronomy—Uthara Vengrai[…]
Exotic annual forbs present restoration challenges on natural gas well pads—Damaris Chenoweth (9/2/2023) - Restoration of natural gas well pads is plagued by invasion from annual forbs and grasses. Exotic annual forbs particularly are… Read more about Exotic annual forbs present restoration challenges on natural gas well pads—Damaris Chenoweth[…]
Sampling soils in an ancient lake—Damaris Chenoweth (9/2/2023) - Some days our soil auger hits a layer of shale and instead of retrieving messy handfuls of sandy soil, we… Read more about Sampling soils in an ancient lake—Damaris Chenoweth[…]
What is the Difference Between a Crop and a Plant?—Julia Jacobson (8/29/2023) - A few months ago, during one of my first interviews of the summer, I was trying to discern how farmers’… Read more about What is the Difference Between a Crop and a Plant?—Julia Jacobson[…]
A Future of Ranching in the San Luis Valley, Colorado (7/19/2023) - By area, livestock grazing is the single largest land use across the San Luis Valley, across the state of Colorado,… Read more about A Future of Ranching in the San Luis Valley, Colorado[…]
Reconciling Conservation and Conservatism in Cattle Ranching—Kathleen Voight (7/11/2023) - Much of my research involves talking to ranchers, who are often older, often male, and often conservative. I receive names… Read more about Reconciling Conservation and Conservatism in Cattle Ranching—Kathleen Voight[…]
Dis-Assembling Agriculture— Julia Jacobson (7/11/2023) - Clouds of dust plume behind my car as I venture down the long driveway to my first farm interview of… Read more about Dis-Assembling Agriculture— Julia Jacobson[…]
Modeling Radiation Use Efficiency in Big Sagebrush Understory (7/8/2023) - Sam’s research focuses on gathering field data to pair with remotely sensed imagery to then model a physiological plant trait… Read more about Modeling Radiation Use Efficiency in Big Sagebrush Understory[…]
Learning About Place—Julia Chen (6/7/2023) - I spent over a week in Wyoming and Idaho this spring learning about the environmental issues and organizations working towards… Read more about Learning About Place—Julia Chen[…]
A “Generational Moment” for Land Conservation—Kathleen Voight (6/1/2023) - After two semesters working closely with the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust (CCALT) Additive Conservation subcommittee, I was excited to… Read more about A “Generational Moment” for Land Conservation—Kathleen Voight[…]
A Brief Look at NDVI—Sam Wilson (5/26/2023) - Over the last eight months at Ucross High Plains Stewardship Initiative, our team developed a set of tools to assist… Read more about A Brief Look at NDVI—Sam Wilson[…]
Landscape Vegetation Analysis (LaVA) in Southern Wyoming—Jake Barker (5/18/2023) - Forest Service Road closed for logging operations on the Medicine Bow Routt National Forest, as part of the Acorn Precommercial… Read more about Landscape Vegetation Analysis (LaVA) in Southern Wyoming—Jake Barker[…]
Gaining a Deeper Understanding of Ecosystems Through Collaboration—Rowan Sharkey (5/10/2023) - Photo Credit: Aaron Clausen The past year working with the Ucross High Plains Stewardship Initiative has presented a wide range… Read more about Gaining a Deeper Understanding of Ecosystems Through Collaboration—Rowan Sharkey[…]
2022 Annual Report (3/22/2023) - Check our UHPSI’s newly released 2022 Annual Report! Read about student projects, impacts, and journeys from the past year. Click… Read more about 2022 Annual Report[…]
Making the Case for Cattle—Kathleen Voight (1/30/2023) - Championing the ecological importance of cattle grazing doesn’t always land well in environmental groups. Pushback often quotes methane emissions, a… Read more about Making the Case for Cattle—Kathleen Voight[…]
Out in the Cold—Delaney Heileman (1/23/2023) - On December 31, 2020, the Kayenta Coal mine in Arizona officially closed its doors, bringing an end to nearly 40… Read more about Out in the Cold—Delaney Heileman[…]
Evaluating Mesic Restoration Efforts in Montana with Geospatial Tools (1/21/2023) - Photo Credit: Aaron Clausen In conjunction with The Nature Conservancy-Montana (TNC), Montana Conservation Corps (MCC), and World Wildlife Fund (WWF),… Read more about Evaluating Mesic Restoration Efforts in Montana with Geospatial Tools[…]
Funding Priorities for Improving Ecological Value and Agricultural Viability on Colorado Rangelands (1/10/2023) - Photo Credit: Kathleen Voight Kathleen Voight is working with the Additive Conservation department of the Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust… Read more about Funding Priorities for Improving Ecological Value and Agricultural Viability on Colorado Rangelands[…]
On Developing a Systems Thinking Model—Julia Chen (12/16/2022) - George E. P. Box once said that “All models are wrong, but some are useful.” As we try to make… Read more about On Developing a Systems Thinking Model—Julia Chen[…]
Beavers and Space—Sam Wilson (12/15/2022) - It's December here in New Haven, Connecticut. The leaves have all fallen, the grass is done growing, and the days… Read more about Beavers and Space—Sam Wilson[…]
Restoration Through Ecological Forestry—Jake Barker (12/15/2022) - As we examine the complex system of forests, management, and wood products in Wyoming, we are finding that the mosaic… Read more about Restoration Through Ecological Forestry—Jake Barker[…]
Utilizing Geospatial Analysis to Increase Water Availability in the American West—Rowan Sharkey (12/15/2022) - Being a research assistant with the Ucross High Plains Stewardship Initiative at YSE  has afforded me a variety of opportunities… Read more about Utilizing Geospatial Analysis to Increase Water Availability in the American West—Rowan Sharkey[…]
A Systems Thinking Approach to Wood Processing and Forest Health in Wyoming (11/24/2022) - Photo credit: Jake Barker Julia Chen and Jake Barker are collaborating with The Nature Conservancy-Wyoming to investigate strategies to improve… Read more about A Systems Thinking Approach to Wood Processing and Forest Health in Wyoming[…]
See research article from former Research Assistant, Shannon Bell (10/3/2022) - Check out Shannon's published article here, which draws on the research she did with Ucross. Read more about See research article from former Research Assistant, Shannon Bell[…]
Stepping Out of the Steppe—Rachel Renne (9/20/2022) - As temperatures climbed this summer, so did the elevations of the plots that I visited. My gradual ascent was an… Read more about Stepping Out of the Steppe—Rachel Renne[…]
See Field Highlights from Students (9/3/2022) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjU9Ot94Eds Hear from some of our 2022 Western Resource Fellows about what they are doing! Read more about See Field Highlights from Students[…]
Improving Model Outputs and Recommendations Through Field Work—Rob Anderson (9/1/2022) - As I write this, while sitting in my 82-degree New Haven apartment, I cannot help but feel some nostalgia for… Read more about Improving Model Outputs and Recommendations Through Field Work—Rob Anderson[…]
Why study outdoor recreation in the American West?—Mara MacDonell (8/26/2022) - Industry, based on landscape, has been foundational to the American West’s cultural and ideological underpinnings since the beginning of colonization.… Read more about Why study outdoor recreation in the American West?—Mara MacDonell[…]
Gold Underfoot! Soil Organic Matter matters—Raffa Sindoni (8/18/2022) - Soil is the tapestry upon which all life is weaved. Our water is cleaned through it. Our food rises from… Read more about Gold Underfoot! Soil Organic Matter matters—Raffa Sindoni[…]
Can Bison Shape the Prairie?—Ross Martin (7/24/2022) - https://vimeo.com/733016738  There’s a bull bison rolling on the ground. Hooves point skyward as the bull’s body moves—rocking, kicking, sliding on… Read more about Can Bison Shape the Prairie?—Ross Martin[…]
A Note from the Steppe—Rachel Renne (7/21/2022) - As a kid growing up in Florida, we were warned that the hottest part of the day was between noon… Read more about A Note from the Steppe—Rachel Renne[…]
Energy Use and Access on the Hopi Reservation (7/15/2022) - Delaney is working with the Hopi Utility Authority to better understand electricity and energy use on the Hopi Reservation. Her… Read more about Energy Use and Access on the Hopi Reservation[…]
Wreckreation? Livelihood, Labor, Work, Play, and the Environment in the Rural American West (7/15/2022) - Industry, based on landscape, has been foundational to the American West’s cultural and ideological underpinnings. The extraction and outdoor recreation… Read more about Wreckreation? Livelihood, Labor, Work, Play, and the Environment in the Rural American West[…]
Defining Spring in a Dynamic World—Rob Anderson (7/9/2022) - What is spring? This may seem like an obvious question, but over the last few months I have come to… Read more about Defining Spring in a Dynamic World—Rob Anderson[…]
Clay, Silt, Sand, and Data: Revealing Soil Organic Carbon on Native Lands (6/30/2022) - Raffa is supporting Indigenous data-empowerment efforts by researching how Tribal Nations may engage with soil carbon markets, which offer compensation… Read more about Clay, Silt, Sand, and Data: Revealing Soil Organic Carbon on Native Lands[…]
Elevating Native Led Bison Restoration Stories on the Great Plains (6/30/2022) - Ross is partnering with Tanka Fund, a Native led non-profit on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Tanka… Read more about Elevating Native Led Bison Restoration Stories on the Great Plains[…]
Investigating Shrub-Grass Interactions in Big Sagebrush Ecosystems Across the West (6/30/2022) - In temperate drylands, the amount and timing of precipitation interacts with soil texture to determine patterns of seasonal soil water… Read more about Investigating Shrub-Grass Interactions in Big Sagebrush Ecosystems Across the West[…]
Impact of Climate Change on Plant Community Composition in Western Wyoming and Implications for Wildlife Migration (6/30/2022) - Increasing temperature and changing precipitation patterns with climate change will have substantial impacts on plant communities, particularly in water-limited drylands.… Read more about Impact of Climate Change on Plant Community Composition in Western Wyoming and Implications for Wildlife Migration[…]
The New Frontier: Carbon or Conservation?—Raffa Sindoni (6/30/2022) - The above image depicts brown rolling foothills under the snow-capped peaks of Grand Tetons. Photo taken on the unceded Ancestral… Read more about The New Frontier: Carbon or Conservation?—Raffa Sindoni[…]
Bison Restoration: Pursuing Environmental Justice on the Great Plains—Ross Martin (6/30/2022) - Bison are a uniquely important species in North America’s past, present, and future. They are a keystone species that maintains… Read more about Bison Restoration: Pursuing Environmental Justice on the Great Plains—Ross Martin[…]
Mapping Rural Gentrification—Lani Chang (6/8/2022) - CLICK HERE TO VIEW LANI'S STORYMAP Rural gentrification is increasingly recognized as a significant problem for Western amenity towns in… Read more about Mapping Rural Gentrification—Lani Chang[…]
Methods and Modalities to Explore Rural Gentrification— Mara MacDonell (4/23/2022) - Over the last year, the rural gentrification research group has been approaching the subject of rural gentrification from a variety… Read more about Methods and Modalities to Explore Rural Gentrification— Mara MacDonell[…]
Framing the “New West”— Molly Ryan (4/23/2022) - The “Old West” and the “New West.” These terms are often used to characterize the transformation of rural western economies… Read more about Framing the “New West”— Molly Ryan[…]
The Vital Role of Working Lands in Western Conservation—Annie Miller (12/14/2021) - Photo by Michelle Downey Working lands -- the farms, ranchlands, and working forests that support livelihoods --  are a vital… Read more about The Vital Role of Working Lands in Western Conservation—Annie Miller[…]
Improving Restoration Funding for Working Lands in Colorado (12/10/2021) - The Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust (CCALT) is exploring the development of an internally managed Agricultural Resiliency Fund to provide… Read more about Improving Restoration Funding for Working Lands in Colorado[…]
Understanding the Impacts and Implications of Rural Gentrification in the American West (12/10/2021) - Many amenity towns in the Western United States are struggling with rapid in-migration and its corresponding impacts on natural resources,… Read more about Understanding the Impacts and Implications of Rural Gentrification in the American West[…]
Rural Gentrification: The Housing Crisis — Mara MacDonell (12/7/2021) - There are two things that are common knowledge if you live in a ski town (and you don’t have a… Read more about Rural Gentrification: The Housing Crisis — Mara MacDonell[…]
Is Oregon’s Land Use System Protecting Farmers? — Shannon Bell (12/7/2021) - Between 2001 and 2016, 11 million acres of farmland in the United States were developed, with 4.1 million acres converted… Read more about Is Oregon’s Land Use System Protecting Farmers? — Shannon Bell[…]
Flagstaff, Arizona’s journey through rural gentrification — Molly Ryan (12/7/2021) - I’ve been living on the East Coast for over eight years now. When I meet someone new and tell them… Read more about Flagstaff, Arizona’s journey through rural gentrification — Molly Ryan[…]
Augmenting local water supplies in Southern California: Difficult Tradeoffs — Ryanna Fossum (9/8/2021) - Our day-to-day experience with fresh water varies drastically depending on where in the country we live. This week, as I… Read more about Augmenting local water supplies in Southern California: Difficult Tradeoffs — Ryanna Fossum[…]
Why Water Utilities Should Invest in Natural (Green) Infrastructure — Lily Colburn (8/29/2021) - Water utilities provide drinking, wastewater, and stormwater services to millions of people across the United States, including for residential, commercial,… Read more about Why Water Utilities Should Invest in Natural (Green) Infrastructure — Lily Colburn[…]
Forest Collaboratives and Habitat Connectivity in the Northern Rockies (8/29/2021) - Laura is a Conservation Connect Fellow at the National Forest Foundation (NFF) and a U.S. Media and Storytelling Intern at… Read more about Forest Collaboratives and Habitat Connectivity in the Northern Rockies[…]
Natural (Green) Infrastructure in Oregon (8/29/2021) - Lily is a Financial Analyst Intern with the Natural Infrastructure Initiative at the World Resources Institute (WRI). She is researching… Read more about Natural (Green) Infrastructure in Oregon[…]
Signing the Colorado Soil Health Bill!—Darya Watnick (7/25/2021) - Governor Jared Polis signing HB 21-1181, ‘the Colorado Soil Health Bill,’ into law. Photo Credit: Darya Watnick Two days after… Read more about Signing the Colorado Soil Health Bill!—Darya Watnick[…]
Impacts of global change and land use on biogeochemical dynamics in Southwestern Wyoming (7/25/2021) - Uthara’s research focuses on the interactive effect of global change scenarios and land use practices on soil carbon and nitrogen… Read more about Impacts of global change and land use on biogeochemical dynamics in Southwestern Wyoming[…]
Long-term suitability of wildlife crossing structures for species movements across US highway 93 in Western Montana (7/25/2021) - Structures that allow wildlife to safely cross highways, including overpasses, landbridges, and wildlife underpasses, are increasingly attracting the attention of… Read more about Long-term suitability of wildlife crossing structures for species movements across US highway 93 in Western Montana[…]
Perceptions of Water Export in Colorado’s San Luis Valley (7/25/2021) - Cloe will be spending the summer in Alamosa, Colorado, where she is conducting independently-led research on the San Luis Valley’s… Read more about Perceptions of Water Export in Colorado’s San Luis Valley[…]
Impact of Variable Grazing Pressure and Climate Change on Big Sagebrush Plant Communities (7/25/2021) - Associated with rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns are predicted to create novel climates contributing to changes in the distribution of… Read more about Impact of Variable Grazing Pressure and Climate Change on Big Sagebrush Plant Communities[…]
Enhancing working lands in Colorado (7/25/2021) - Darya’s main project is facilitating the Colorado Coalition to Enhance Working Lands (CO-CEWL). CO-CEWL works to improve the resilience and… Read more about Enhancing working lands in Colorado[…]
Proposing County Payment Reforms that Incentivize Conservation of Public Forestland (7/25/2021) - Shannon is working with Oregon Wild, a non-governmental organization in Oregon dedicated to the conservation of forests and wildlife across… Read more about Proposing County Payment Reforms that Incentivize Conservation of Public Forestland[…]
Community-led water resilience in the Los Angeles River Watershed (7/25/2021) - Ryanna is supporting the Council for Watershed Health (CWH) in promoting integrated regional watershed management in the greater Los Angeles… Read more about Community-led water resilience in the Los Angeles River Watershed[…]
Trouble in Paradise: Native Fish Entrainment in the Ditches of Jackson Hole, WY—Bryce Powell (4/15/2021) - The words “irrigation canal” conjure images of concrete systems and dirty water, but in Jackson, Wyoming, everything is touched by… Read more about Trouble in Paradise: Native Fish Entrainment in the Ditches of Jackson Hole, WY—Bryce Powell[…]
Inherding: The Concept, The Benefits, and its Feasibility—Cally Guasti (1/30/2021) - If you visit cattle ranches in most of the U.S., you’ll see two kinds of cattle grazing methods: the first… Read more about Inherding: The Concept, The Benefits, and its Feasibility—Cally Guasti[…]
Ranching the Hard Way—Lani Chang (1/30/2021) - "We've all chosen to do ranching the hard way" a rancher chuckles through the small illuminated rectangle on my computer's… Read more about Ranching the Hard Way—Lani Chang[…]
Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation—Grace Hilbert (1/30/2021) - No two conservation projects are the same, which is why the Conservation Measures Partnership (CMP) developed the Open Standards for… Read more about Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation—Grace Hilbert[…]
Recording of Western Resources Fellow Presentations – Part 1 (1/22/2021) - Hello everyone! Please click here to view the recording of presentations by 6 of our 2020 Western Resources Fellows. Each… Read more about Recording of Western Resources Fellow Presentations – Part 1[…]
Elkhorn Mountain Conifer Density Survey (1/18/2021) - In partnership with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service and Pheasants Forever in Bozeman, MT, our research assistant is using… Read more about Elkhorn Mountain Conifer Density Survey[…]
Western Speaker Series 2020-2021 (1/18/2021) - Each year, UHPSI hosts a western speaker series focusing on conservation and stewardship issues in the American West. The series… Read more about Western Speaker Series 2020-2021[…]
Collaborative Rangeland Monitoring and Management in Montana (1/18/2021) - The Range Monitoring Group (RMG), a Montana collaborative that includes ranchers, scientists and non-profit conservation groups, has implemented a pilot… Read more about Collaborative Rangeland Monitoring and Management in Montana[…]
Exploring Inherding as a Grazing Practice for Conservation and Rangeland Health in West (1/18/2021) - UHPSI research assistants have partnered with Texas A&M University-Kingsville and a Wyoming ranch to study the feasibility of implementing inherding… Read more about Exploring Inherding as a Grazing Practice for Conservation and Rangeland Health in West[…]
Stillwater-Rosebud Water Quality Initiative (1/18/2021) - Photo by Tom Osborne Our team is working to design and deploy a portfolio of GIS tools for the Stillwater… Read more about Stillwater-Rosebud Water Quality Initiative[…]
Recreation and Conservation Planning for Fishers Peak State Park (1/18/2021) - In partnership with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Colorado, our research team is working across ecological and recreational decision-making processes to… Read more about Recreation and Conservation Planning for Fishers Peak State Park[…]
A Case Study: Recreation in the Palisades Wilderness Study Area of the GYE—Bea Portela (12/18/2020) - Tucked in the crest of the Snake River Range and in the heart of northwestern Wyoming’s wilderness lies the Palisades… Read more about A Case Study: Recreation in the Palisades Wilderness Study Area of the GYE—Bea Portela[…]
More Organic Grain? Fix the Missing Middle First—Charlotte Benishek (12/17/2020) - Where did the wheat in those organic crackers sitting in your cupboard come from? More likely Turkey than the northern… Read more about More Organic Grain? Fix the Missing Middle First—Charlotte Benishek[…]
Work is Flowing for the Rosebud Creek Team—Katherine Tucker (12/17/2020) - For a few hours every week, I get to escape the hustle and stress of graduate school and virtually explore… Read more about Work is Flowing for the Rosebud Creek Team—Katherine Tucker[…]
Small Species, Big Impact: Communicating Biodiversity Conservation across Disciplines—Lauren Sadowski (12/17/2020) - Often, charismatic species are over-represented in scientific fields, more likely to raise funds, or considered ecologically more important than others.… Read more about Small Species, Big Impact: Communicating Biodiversity Conservation across Disciplines—Lauren Sadowski[…]
Fishers Peak: A Model For Collaboration—Tony Cisneros (12/17/2020) - I learned about the nascent Fishers Peak State Park in the fall of 2019, over one year ago today. At… Read more about Fishers Peak: A Model For Collaboration—Tony Cisneros[…]
Computer Simulations and Soil Texture — Jon Michel (10/2/2020) - This summer, I worked with computer simulations to determine if soil texture was currently an important factor in competition between… Read more about Computer Simulations and Soil Texture — Jon Michel[…]
Approaches to Pinyon Pine Management — Paul Berne Burow (9/25/2020) - The pinyon pine is not what you might call “charismatic megaflora.” North America’s Pacific and Intermountain West are home to… Read more about Approaches to Pinyon Pine Management — Paul Berne Burow[…]
Understanding the Role of Perennial Grasses in Sagebrush Establishment — Damaris Chenoweth (9/23/2020) - I recently returned from Southwestern Wyoming where I collected data over five weeks. The undisturbed Wyoming big sagebrush of the… Read more about Understanding the Role of Perennial Grasses in Sagebrush Establishment — Damaris Chenoweth[…]
Changing Narratives in a Pandemic Summer — Reid Lewis (9/22/2020) - When’s the last time you were dancing? Really going for it, with sweat and chaos and flashing lights? For me… Read more about Changing Narratives in a Pandemic Summer — Reid Lewis[…]
2020 Decision Making: Considering loss in the time of Covid-19 — Margot Buckelew (9/16/2020) - Every spring, many ecologists and students around the world gear up for field season. For most of us, it is… Read more about 2020 Decision Making: Considering loss in the time of Covid-19 — Margot Buckelew[…]
Now Hiring Students and Open House (8/30/2020) - Ucross High Plain Stewardship Initiative (UHPSI) is now HIRING graduate and undergraduate students enrolled in courses to work as research assistants or speaker… Read more about Now Hiring Students and Open House[…]
A River Saved: Yampa, Water, Energy, and Climate Change — Humna Sharif (8/24/2020) - The life of the Yampa River has many important lessons, it remains the wildest tributary to the Colorado River system… Read more about A River Saved: Yampa, Water, Energy, and Climate Change — Humna Sharif[…]
Bottom-up, Big-tent Community Organizing — Darya Watnick (8/24/2020) - The Colorado Collaborative for Healthy Soils is a community-driven organization bringing together diverse voices of Colorado’s farmers and ranchers around… Read more about Bottom-up, Big-tent Community Organizing — Darya Watnick[…]
Speaker Series Opportunities Available (8/12/2020) - Conservation Conversations  Visit here to learn more and tune in! Conservation Conversations is a webinar series that will explore the conservation challenges of the future… Read more about Speaker Series Opportunities Available[…]
FAQ for Student Research Assistants (7/28/2020) - Ucross High Plains Stewardship Initiative typically hires students, undergrad to PhD, to work as paid research assistants during September/October-May to… Read more about FAQ for Student Research Assistants[…]
Predicting the Future—Jon Michel (7/24/2020) - I don’t think I need to describe to anyone that we’re living through a very odd time. With everything going… Read more about Predicting the Future—Jon Michel[…]
Exploring New Approaches to Grassland Conservation in Wyoming—Katie Pofahl and Humna Sharif (7/24/2020) - Two students from the Yale School of the Environment’s Ucross High Plains Stewardship Initiative teamed up with The Nature Conservancy… Read more about Exploring New Approaches to Grassland Conservation in Wyoming—Katie Pofahl and Humna Sharif[…]
Understanding Community Perceptions of Recreation and Wildlife in Jackson, Wyoming (7/18/2020) - As Jackson Hole’s visiting population increases exponentially and recreation use continues to climb, Bryce and Bea are working with the… Read more about Understanding Community Perceptions of Recreation and Wildlife in Jackson, Wyoming[…]
Mapping Resource “Neighborhoods” of Big Sagebrush — Damaris Chenoweth (7/14/2020) - Once covering nearly half of the American West, sagebrush ecosystems are now among the most threatened in North America.  In… Read more about Mapping Resource “Neighborhoods” of Big Sagebrush — Damaris Chenoweth[…]
UHPSI Black Lives Matter Solidarity Statement and Reading List (7/8/2020) - The Ucross High Plains Stewardship Initiative stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement and all Black people and… Read more about UHPSI Black Lives Matter Solidarity Statement and Reading List[…]
Improving Aquatic Habitat Connectivity in the Snake River Headwaters (7/1/2020) - Bryce is the Conservation Intern for Trout Unlimited's Snake River Headwaters Initiative, a project in partnership with Wyoming Game and… Read more about Improving Aquatic Habitat Connectivity in the Snake River Headwaters[…]
Land Trusts and Water Conservation (7/1/2020) - Abbey is working with the nonprofit land trust Colorado Open Lands to learn about private land conservation in the West… Read more about Land Trusts and Water Conservation[…]
Soil Texture and Plant Concentration on Oil Well Pad Reclamation Sites in Wyoming (7/1/2020) - Jon is investigating the relationship between soil texture and the concentration of woody plants and perennial bunch grasses on oil… Read more about Soil Texture and Plant Concentration on Oil Well Pad Reclamation Sites in Wyoming[…]
Non-Consumptive Water Rights as a Landscape Conservation Tool (7/1/2020) - Margot's independent policy analysis investigates the governance structures in Colorado that allowed non-consumptive water rights to be claimed by private… Read more about Non-Consumptive Water Rights as a Landscape Conservation Tool[…]
Eco-Sensible Crop Farming in the Northern Great Plains of Montana (7/1/2020) - Tim is working this summer at Vilicus Farms, a 10,000 acre, organic, dry land (not irrigated) specialty grain and pulse… Read more about Eco-Sensible Crop Farming in the Northern Great Plains of Montana[…]
Soil Health and Soil Carbon Sequestration in Regenerative Agriculture (7/1/2020) - Darya is working with Mad Agriculture, an organization focusing on regenerative agriculture out of Boulder, Colorado. She is assisting the… Read more about Soil Health and Soil Carbon Sequestration in Regenerative Agriculture[…]
Simulating the Recovery of Big Sagebrush Communities from Disturbances Due to Oil and Gas Extraction (7/1/2020) - At well pads—areas developed for oil and gas drilling—both the vegetation and topsoil are completely removed. After drilling infrastructure is… Read more about Simulating the Recovery of Big Sagebrush Communities from Disturbances Due to Oil and Gas Extraction[…]
Pursuing Better Stewardship and Better Futures: Centering Native American Histories and Perspectives (7/1/2020) - The United States recognizes over 500 American Indian or Alaskan Native nations. There is extraordinary variety in the cultural, spiritual,… Read more about Pursuing Better Stewardship and Better Futures: Centering Native American Histories and Perspectives[…]
Assessing Climate Change Impacts to Waterways Near National Parks in the West (7/1/2020) - Humna is working with the water conservation team at National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) to assess anthropogenic threats to western… Read more about Assessing Climate Change Impacts to Waterways Near National Parks in the West[…]
Farming from afar — Darya Watnick (6/29/2020) - This summer I’m working as a summer fellow for Mad Agriculture. MadAg is working, as they put it, to “catalyze… Read more about Farming from afar — Darya Watnick[…]
Water in the Southwest and the New-Old Threat of Uranium Mining — Humna Sharif (6/29/2020) - Clean and safe water is one of the most precious resources anywhere in the world, but this is especially true… Read more about Water in the Southwest and the New-Old Threat of Uranium Mining — Humna Sharif[…]
Saving Grasslands with Stakeholder Collaboration — Humna Sharif (5/22/2020) - Preview: Grassland habitats across the world are facing multiple threats due to anthropogenic changes, and species dependent on these ecosystems are… Read more about Saving Grasslands with Stakeholder Collaboration — Humna Sharif[…]
Rebirth after Fire — Zhi Li (5/12/2020) - Zhi Li, MFs 20', spent his 2019 summer in California's forests conducting research related to fire. This involved camping with… Read more about Rebirth after Fire — Zhi Li[…]
Balancing Rights in the Context of Outdoor Recreation — Talia Niederman (5/8/2020) - Photo by: Bryce Powell As the number of outdoor recreationists expands due to a confluence of improved technology and social… Read more about Balancing Rights in the Context of Outdoor Recreation — Talia Niederman[…]
Annual Report 2019 — Michelle Downey (5/7/2020) - Please find our 2019 annual report below. We are incredibly grateful for all the partnerships and collaborations that have allowed… Read more about Annual Report 2019 — Michelle Downey[…]
Rethinking What’s Important — Meghan Hills (4/21/2020) - I think it’s fair to say that I’ve spent my life training to be a scientist. It’s been the result… Read more about Rethinking What’s Important — Meghan Hills[…]
Field Research in California’s Forest after Wildfire — Zhi Li (4/6/2020) - When I present my research to the F&ES community, all I will see is the flashback of this summer: a… Read more about Field Research in California’s Forest after Wildfire — Zhi Li[…]
A Brief Introduction to Chronic Wasting Disease — Meghan Hills (3/24/2020) - Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is an infection found in captive (farmed) and free-ranging (wild) members of the deer family (hereafter… Read more about A Brief Introduction to Chronic Wasting Disease — Meghan Hills[…]
Wildlife-Friendly Ranching in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (3/9/2020) - Rory Jacobson and Anna-Sophia Haub are working with partners at the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies,… Read more about Wildlife-Friendly Ranching in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem[…]
Climate Vulnerability in the Crown of the Continent (3/9/2020) - UHPSI students collaborated with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to assist with a Landscape Conservation Design (LCD). The Crown Managers… Read more about Climate Vulnerability in the Crown of the Continent[…]
Development of a Feasibility Tool to Evaluate Grassbank Potential in Thunder Basin, Wyoming (3/9/2020) - Our team worked with The Nature Conservancy Wyoming to research the feasibility of a creative approach to grassland conservation in… Read more about Development of a Feasibility Tool to Evaluate Grassbank Potential in Thunder Basin, Wyoming[…]
Highlighting Indigenous Relationships in the West: A Special Issue of Indigenizing the News (3/9/2020) - Indigenizing the News is a digital magazine dedicated to Native nations, cultures, and contemporary issues in North America. Through a… Read more about Highlighting Indigenous Relationships in the West: A Special Issue of Indigenizing the News[…]
Western Speaker Series (3/9/2020) - The Western Speaker Series connects conservation professionals and Yale students to explore and discuss a range of issues facing land… Read more about Western Speaker Series[…]
Impacts of Recreation on the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem (3/9/2020) - In partnership with the Northern Rockies Conservation Cooperative, UHPSI research assistants investigated trends, conditions, and projections surrounding recreation in the… Read more about Impacts of Recreation on the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem[…]
Solar Feasibility Study for Tensleep Preserve in North Central Wyoming (3/9/2020) - UHPSI research assistants worked in partnership with The Nature Conservancy’s Tensleep Preserve, located in North Central Wyoming, to conduct a… Read more about Solar Feasibility Study for Tensleep Preserve in North Central Wyoming[…]
Governance successes and challenges along the Colorado River – Lucas Isakowitz (11/7/2019) - The Colorado River runs almost 1,500 miles, from the cold Rocky Mountains down to the dry Sonoran desert. Throughout this… Read more about Governance successes and challenges along the Colorado River – Lucas Isakowitz[…]
A Week in the Desert — Danielle Glass (9/16/2019) - Two desert bighorn rams vie for dominance. Researching the impact of surface water to desert bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni)… Read more about A Week in the Desert — Danielle Glass[…]
The Death and Rebirth of the Colorado River Delta (9/16/2019) - (© Bill Hatcher/Sonoran Institute, 2019) A century ago, the Colorado River ran uninterrupted from the Rocky Mountains to the Gulf… Read more about The Death and Rebirth of the Colorado River Delta[…]
Accelerating Community-Driven Impact, Part 2 — Shea Flanagan (9/11/2019) - Before my LegacyWorks Group internship in the Tetons this summer comes to a close, I’d like to highlight a couple… Read more about Accelerating Community-Driven Impact, Part 2 — Shea Flanagan[…]
Investigating the Socioecological Importance of Pinyon Forests for Paiute Communities in the Great Basin (9/11/2019) - Paul’s project investigates socioecological change affecting Paiute communities in California and Nevada. It examines the cultural importance of pinyon forests… Read more about Investigating the Socioecological Importance of Pinyon Forests for Paiute Communities in the Great Basin[…]
Accelerating Community-Driven Impact, Part 1 — Shea Flanagan (9/9/2019) - Howdy! I’ve headed west to work as the Summer Associate for LegacyWorks Group in Jackson, Wyoming. LegacyWorks accelerates community-driven impact… Read more about Accelerating Community-Driven Impact, Part 1 — Shea Flanagan[…]
Exploring the Ecological Impacts of Wildfire in Coniferous Forests in Sierra Nevada (8/21/2019) - Findings Visit Zhi's story map here to learn more about forest management recommendations in burn areas. Summary Zhi’s ecological research… Read more about Exploring the Ecological Impacts of Wildfire in Coniferous Forests in Sierra Nevada[…]
Benthic Macroinvertebrate Survey of Canyon Creek (8/21/2019) - Joshua's research surveyed benthic macroinvertebrate communities of Canyon Creek at The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) Tensleep Preserve in order to (1)… Read more about Benthic Macroinvertebrate Survey of Canyon Creek[…]
The Impact of Surface Water on Desert Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) Movement Patterns (8/21/2019) - Though the relationship between resource selection and animal distribution has been thoroughly investigated, few studies link animal movement patterns to… Read more about The Impact of Surface Water on Desert Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadensis nelsoni) Movement Patterns[…]
Spatiotemporal Patterns in the Observed Spread of Chronic Wasting Disease Across North America (8/13/2019) - Meghan is conducting independent research that aims to explore spatiotemporal patterns in the historic and ongoing spread of chronic wasting… Read more about Spatiotemporal Patterns in the Observed Spread of Chronic Wasting Disease Across North America[…]
Exploring the Interface of Religious Life and Environmental Politics in Montana (8/13/2019) - Leif is researching independently in northwest Montana where faith-based environmental organizing sets the stage. Three emerging organizations seek to empower… Read more about Exploring the Interface of Religious Life and Environmental Politics in Montana[…]
Governance and Storytelling Along the Colorado River (8/13/2019) - Lucas is working for The Nature Conservancy’s Colorado River Program (CRP). His focus for the CRP is two-fold: first, Lucas… Read more about Governance and Storytelling Along the Colorado River[…]
Increasing the Pace and Scale of Conservation in the Tetons through Collaboration (8/13/2019) - Shea is working with LegacyWorks Group in Jackson, Wyoming to accelerate community-driven impact to advance large-scale conservation efforts in the… Read more about Increasing the Pace and Scale of Conservation in the Tetons through Collaboration[…]
Pulse of the River —Reid Lewis (5/9/2019) - The Southwest is a dry place. This statement should not surprise anyone; when you think of Arizona, Nevada, and New… Read more about Pulse of the River —Reid Lewis[…]
Urbanization & Human-Wildlife Conflict in the West —Amy Zuckerwise (5/9/2019) - Black bear at a bird feeder Carnivores have become social media sensations when they enter into urban areas. Hundreds of… Read more about Urbanization & Human-Wildlife Conflict in the West —Amy Zuckerwise[…]
Grasslands Can Help Fight Climate Change —Jeffrey Conti (5/9/2019) - A significant amount of carbon is locked up underneath the ancient grasslands of North America. Grasses naturally absorb carbon during… Read more about Grasslands Can Help Fight Climate Change —Jeffrey Conti[…]
Communicating Vegetation Response after Fire in the Bridger-Teton National Forest (3/14/2019) - Our student research assistants partnered with Bridger-Teton National Forest (BTNF) in Wyoming to create a report on the stand dynamics… Read more about Communicating Vegetation Response after Fire in the Bridger-Teton National Forest[…]
Coordinating Online Communications for Ucross High Plains Stewardship Initiative (3/14/2019) - As the Ucross Communications Coordinator, Meghanlata has completed a number of improvement projects for the website and other Ucross communications,… Read more about Coordinating Online Communications for Ucross High Plains Stewardship Initiative[…]
Reconciling Landownership and Sage-Grouse Management Designation Data (3/13/2019) - This is an inter-agency project led by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Geological Survey. Federal and… Read more about Reconciling Landownership and Sage-Grouse Management Designation Data[…]
Organizing and Implementing the Western Speaker Series (3/13/2019) - The Symposium Student Coordinators organize the Western Speaker Series, which connects knowledgeable conservation professionals with Yale students to learn about… Read more about Organizing and Implementing the Western Speaker Series[…]
Increasing Adoption of Grasslands Avoided Conversion Carbon Projects (3/13/2019) - Climate and Forest Capital (CFC) has partnered with the Environmental Defense Fund on an NRCS Conservation Innovation Grant to research… Read more about Increasing Adoption of Grasslands Avoided Conversion Carbon Projects[…]
Estimating Utah Prairie Dog Survival Using Camera-trap Data (3/13/2019) - One of our research assistants is working with the Utah Bureau of Land Management to analyze trends in plague-induced prairie… Read more about Estimating Utah Prairie Dog Survival Using Camera-trap Data[…]
Conservation Planning for Sheridan County, WY (2/20/2019) - Our research assistant team worked in partnership with the Sheridan Community Land Trust to develop a conservation planning mapping tool… Read more about Conservation Planning for Sheridan County, WY[…]
How to Find Spatial Data Online — Michael Storace (2/19/2019) - GIS can feel overwhelming sometimes to the casual user, and it can even intimidate those proficient with the program. However,… Read more about How to Find Spatial Data Online — Michael Storace[…]
Events (1/8/2019) - Western Connections and Community UHPSI hosts events (social or learning-driven) throughout the year to encourage connections and community among students,… Read more about Events[…]
Another Kind of Map – Joshua Morse (12/20/2018) - Western Resource Fellow alum Joshua Morse has published an article in Western Confluence featuring his UHPSI-funded masters thesis research. Click… Read more about Another Kind of Map – Joshua Morse[…]
Final Soil Dryer Prototype — Nat Irwin (10/3/2018) - Now that my project partner, Seila De Leon, and I have finished our ten week fellowship at the Yale Center… Read more about Final Soil Dryer Prototype — Nat Irwin[…]
The Swan Lives On — Sam Maher (9/11/2018) - The last time I posted, I was a busy forensic ecologist/detective discovering the culprit behind dips in trumpeter swan productivity… Read more about The Swan Lives On — Sam Maher[…]
A Girl Scout’s Walden (Part Two) — Franklin Eccher (9/7/2018) - Trey Davis, the Preserve Manager at The Nature Conservancy’s Tensleep Preserve, described Tensleep as “a place of superlatives.” Everything at… Read more about A Girl Scout’s Walden (Part Two) — Franklin Eccher[…]
Thinking Beyond Acres – Brendan Boepple (8/31/2018) - During my summer with the Rio Grande Headwaters Land Trust (RiGHT) I was tasked with developing and implementing a stakeholder… Read more about Thinking Beyond Acres – Brendan Boepple[…]
Soil Dryer Updates Post-field Adventure — Seila De Leon (8/30/2018) - In mid-July, I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in this year Western Research Fellowship Retreat in Ten Sleep, Wyoming.… Read more about Soil Dryer Updates Post-field Adventure — Seila De Leon[…]
A Strong Fourth Quarter — Joshua Perez-Cruet (8/29/2018) - One of the major challenges I faced during my study was dealing with the weather; benthic invertebrates are extremely sensitive… Read more about A Strong Fourth Quarter — Joshua Perez-Cruet[…]
Ranch Crew: 2018 Overview — Caleb Gray (a Uni. of WY student) (8/23/2018) - Ranch Crew was an excellent opportunity that I was able to take ahold of, but I was not entirely prepared… Read more about Ranch Crew: 2018 Overview — Caleb Gray (a Uni. of WY student)[…]
Land and Water: Conservation in Colorado’s San Luis Valley — Brendan Boepple (8/21/2018) - In the San Luis Valley, there are no shortage of views. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains rise like a wall… Read more about Land and Water: Conservation in Colorado’s San Luis Valley — Brendan Boepple[…]
A Girl Scout’s Walden (Part one) — Franklin Eccher (8/21/2018) - I first drove into Ten Sleep under cover of Washakie County darkness. The dark ribbon of highway unfurled through the… Read more about A Girl Scout’s Walden (Part one) — Franklin Eccher[…]
The Forks and Fire — Brendan Boepple (8/13/2018) - Throughout our two weeks with Ranch Crew we became intimate with the Forks Ranch. Assessing ground cover and clipping grasses… Read more about The Forks and Fire — Brendan Boepple[…]
A Change of Perspective — Nat Irwin (8/9/2018) - For the past few months, my project partner, Seila De Leon, and I have been given the challenge of creating… Read more about A Change of Perspective — Nat Irwin[…]
Designing a Soil Dryer for the Field — Seila De Leon (8/1/2018) - These past few months have been a big eye-opener to me about the importance of soil and understanding nature. I… Read more about Designing a Soil Dryer for the Field — Seila De Leon[…]
An Unexpected Discovery — Joshua Perez-Cruet (7/21/2018) - I have focused my last several weeks on the sampling portion of my project and am loving every minute of… Read more about An Unexpected Discovery — Joshua Perez-Cruet[…]
July 12 to 15: WRF Summer Retreat at Tensleep Preserve (7/19/2018) - For four sunny days, TNC's Tensleep Preserve in Ten Sleep, WY set the scene for a gathering of researchers, land… Read more about July 12 to 15: WRF Summer Retreat at Tensleep Preserve[…]
Women translating ‘pixels to knowledge’ with Google Earth Engine — Sabrina Szeto (7/18/2018) - The following is an excerpt from the post: SABRINA SZETO Geospatial Analyst, Ucross High Plains Stewardship Initiative Master of Forestry,… Read more about Women translating ‘pixels to knowledge’ with Google Earth Engine — Sabrina Szeto[…]
Changing Perspectives: The Enemy is Everywhere — Reid Lewis (7/9/2018) - I had the pleasure of arriving to Sheridan, Wyoming via road trip. My father, recently retired, proposed to turn the… Read more about Changing Perspectives: The Enemy is Everywhere — Reid Lewis[…]
Of Bolts and Bullets, Part 1 — Jesse Bryant (7/6/2018) - In April 1909 Ten Sleep, Wyoming was the site of one of the last deadly conflicts of one of our… Read more about Of Bolts and Bullets, Part 1 — Jesse Bryant[…]
Ranch Crew 2018: An Immersive Experience in Rangeland Ecology and Management — Lexi Smith (7/2/2018) - June 2018 was Ranch Crew month for several students (including myself), Ucross members, and collaborating partners from ranch managers to… Read more about Ranch Crew 2018: An Immersive Experience in Rangeland Ecology and Management — Lexi Smith[…]
Forensic Ecology — Sam Maher (6/4/2018) - Sometimes studying wildlife feels a bit like you’re a detective solving a mystery. You’ve got a question that no one… Read more about Forensic Ecology — Sam Maher[…]
Western Research Fellows present at F&ES Research Day 2018 (4/25/2018) - We were so excited to see several Western Research Fellows present their master's thesis at the 34th Annual F&ES Research… Read more about Western Research Fellows present at F&ES Research Day 2018[…]
Predators and Prey — Adam Eichenwald (2/12/2018) - Pretend for a moment that you're a seal. You're swimming along, minding your own business, when you hear a killer… Read more about Predators and Prey — Adam Eichenwald[…]
Trout Fishing in America — Franklin Eccher (2/7/2018) - Trout have a storied and complicated history in America's conservation history. Ever since the early days of hatchery breeding -… Read more about Trout Fishing in America — Franklin Eccher[…]
Musings on Montana — Emma Crow-Willard (1/17/2018) - Emma Crow-Willard is working on a film set in Montana. Follow along with her and learn about life in a… Read more about Musings on Montana — Emma Crow-Willard[…]
Plant ID with the Ranch Crew — Katie Panek (12/17/2017) - During the first week of Ranch Crew, we discovered the joys of Plant ID – or should I say, what… Read more about Plant ID with the Ranch Crew — Katie Panek[…]
Interactive Map — Ross Donihue (12/17/2017) - INTERACTIVE MAP GOES LIVE I’m happy to share that my summer fellowship researching human-wildlife conflict has been featured on the… Read more about Interactive Map — Ross Donihue[…]
Finding Errors in Data — Adam Eichenwald (12/12/2017) - The coolest part of science is when we make mistakes. Seems counterintuitive, right? Why would a mistake be the cool… Read more about Finding Errors in Data — Adam Eichenwald[…]
Writing the Rapid Assessment — Jordan Skovgard (12/5/2017) - Making the plan Leading up to our rapid assessment, our team had the opportunity to sit down and talk to… Read more about Writing the Rapid Assessment — Jordan Skovgard[…]
More Than One Way to Ranch — Jaycie Arndt (12/5/2017) - There’s more than one way to skin a cat, but as it turns out there is also more than one… Read more about More Than One Way to Ranch — Jaycie Arndt[…]
A lesson about invasive species — Lydia Mendoza (12/5/2017) - During the first week of ranch crew, we all hopped in the van to visit a ranch not far from… Read more about A lesson about invasive species — Lydia Mendoza[…]
From Classroom to Field: A Trip to Red Canyon Ranch — Jessica Swindon (12/5/2017) - After spending a week in Sheridan, the crew took off towards Red Canyon Ranch in south central Wyoming. Iron rich,… Read more about From Classroom to Field: A Trip to Red Canyon Ranch — Jessica Swindon[…]
Ranch Crew Introduction — Jeremy Menkhaus (12/5/2017) - Summer 2017 marked the inaugural Ranch Crew course and, despite the course’s nascency, it felt like anything but Ranch Crew’s… Read more about Ranch Crew Introduction — Jeremy Menkhaus[…]
Further Reflections on RALLY! — Ben Williamson (11/28/2017) - “If you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu.” –Ethan Winter, New York Senior Program Manager for the Land… Read more about Further Reflections on RALLY! — Ben Williamson[…]
Wind and the Landscape of Fear — Adam Eichenwald (11/21/2017) - So I ran into a problem. If you’ve been reading my blog, you know that I’m looking into gyrfalcon predation… Read more about Wind and the Landscape of Fear — Adam Eichenwald[…]
RALLY! — Jeff Conti (11/17/2017) - Anyone looking for injections of enthusiasm and creative ideas in the world of land conservation needs to head to the… Read more about RALLY! — Jeff Conti[…]
Sudden Aspen Decline — Jack Singer (11/6/2017) - Quaking aspen trees are important providers of ecosystem services in the west. They establish valuable wildlife habitat, support biodiversity, create… Read more about Sudden Aspen Decline — Jack Singer[…]
Where the Wild Things Could Be — Adam Eichenwald (10/31/2017) - Following up on his trophic cascades video, Adam Eichenwald explains how he can follow his birds across entire landscapes...with MATH!… Read more about Where the Wild Things Could Be — Adam Eichenwald[…]
Safe Crossings for Western Wildlife – A. Andis (10/25/2017) - Imagine that you could close your eyes, point to a map and wherever your finger lands, you would be in… Read more about Safe Crossings for Western Wildlife – A. Andis[…]
UHPSI Alum Catherine Kuhn Publishes! (10/2/2017) - Catherine Kuhn (MEsc '15) worked with Ucross during her time at F&ES, analyzing gas fluxes from Clear Creak, the main… Read more about UHPSI Alum Catherine Kuhn Publishes![…]
600,000 Cucumber Beetles – Adam Eichenwald (9/20/2017) - So after a long summer and an endless series of blog posts, I’ve realized that I never actually said flat-out… Read more about 600,000 Cucumber Beetles – Adam Eichenwald[…]
Where’s the Water in Wyoming – Jessica Swindon (9/12/2017) - It’s not until you live somewhere like Wyoming that you truly understand what Mark Twain meant when he said “Whiskey… Read more about Where’s the Water in Wyoming – Jessica Swindon[…]
Return to Civilization – Adam Eichenwald (8/15/2017) - So I’m finally back from Alaska. It’s great to be back home, and I’m enjoying having the use of indoor… Read more about Return to Civilization – Adam Eichenwald[…]
Wrap-Up in Lander, WY – Carli Kierstead (8/14/2017) - Hello again, it is now my last week in the The Nature Conservancy’s Lander, WY office. Though I am sad… Read more about Wrap-Up in Lander, WY – Carli Kierstead[…]
Instream Flows and Photography for Landscape Monitoring – Austin Rempel (8/14/2017) - Instream Flows on the Middle Fork of the Popo Agie Over the last two months I’ve been helping piece together… Read more about Instream Flows and Photography for Landscape Monitoring – Austin Rempel[…]
Infiltration: Summer in Sage Country – Rachel Renne (7/17/2017) - Summer has arrived on the sagebrush steppe of southwest Wyoming! Frosty mornings and spring snows feel far away in the… Read more about Infiltration: Summer in Sage Country – Rachel Renne[…]
Nome FM – Adam Eichenwald (7/17/2017) - Nome’s only radio station has ruined other variety stations for me. I mean, in the span of 15 minutes this… Read more about Nome FM – Adam Eichenwald[…]
WRF Retreat (7/17/2017) - Western Research Fellow’s attended their annual retreat from the 23-26th of June. The retreat provides an opportunity for Fellows to… Read more about WRF Retreat[…]
Measuring Soil Carbon – Dan Kane (7/5/2017) - A year ago, I traveled out to Wyoming to visit a few properties managed by The Nature Conservancy and test… Read more about Measuring Soil Carbon – Dan Kane[…]
Trophic Cascades – Adam Eichenwald (7/5/2017) - Although Adam was not able to join us at the Western Research Fellowship Retreat this last weekend, he did put… Read more about Trophic Cascades – Adam Eichenwald[…]
Alaska is Big….Really Big – Adam Eichenwald (7/5/2017) - Alaska is big. Very big. You won’t believe how vastly, hugely, mind-bogglingly big it is. I mean, you may think… Read more about Alaska is Big….Really Big – Adam Eichenwald[…]
Beaver Restoration and Water Management in Wyoming – Austin Rempel (7/5/2017) - I’m writing from Red Canyon Ranch, a working ranch and nature preserve owned by the Nature Conservancy. I’m fortunate to… Read more about Beaver Restoration and Water Management in Wyoming – Austin Rempel[…]
Take the Road Less Traveled – Jessica Swindon (6/19/2017) - Hello from Bill, Wyoming! I am currently writing from within the Thunder Basin National Grassland where one of my research… Read more about Take the Road Less Traveled – Jessica Swindon[…]
Coexistence in the Northern Rockies – Ross Donihue (6/9/2017) - “One time I was at my gym in Banff running on the treadmill and I saw a deer giving birth,… Read more about Coexistence in the Northern Rockies – Ross Donihue[…]
Bison Revival – Anthony Bell (6/3/2017) - Calving bison on the prairie, with nothing but grass and sky as far as the eye can see. It is… Read more about Bison Revival – Anthony Bell[…]
The Early Botanist gets the Snow – Rachel Renne (6/2/2017) - What a thrill it is to be back in Wyoming! I arrived in Laramie two weeks ago, shyly crept my… Read more about The Early Botanist gets the Snow – Rachel Renne[…]
Gyrfalcon Attacks Helicopter! – Adam Eichenwald (6/1/2017) - Remember how I said a few posts ago that you don’t want to mess with a female gyrfalcon? Yeah, well… Read more about Gyrfalcon Attacks Helicopter! – Adam Eichenwald[…]
The Batman Effect – Adam Eichenwald (5/22/2017) - Fun fact: a gyrfalcon flying at 200 mph hits HARD. Plus, it likes to pluck the feathers from birds it… Read more about The Batman Effect – Adam Eichenwald[…]
Fox Time – Adam Eichenwald (5/16/2017) - I interrupt my own blog posts to bring you this special news bulletin: yesterday I made a fox poop itself… Read more about Fox Time – Adam Eichenwald[…]
The Science of Snowmelt: An Interactive Story Map – Taylor Ganz (5/8/2017) - Check out this interactive story map about the exciting research done by Taylor Ganz, 2016 Western Research Fellow and graduating… Read more about The Science of Snowmelt: An Interactive Story Map – Taylor Ganz[…]
Midnight Musings in the Land of the Midnight Sun – Adam Eichenwald (5/8/2017) - So I’ve been trying to think of a way to start these posts off, like a signature of some kind.… Read more about Midnight Musings in the Land of the Midnight Sun – Adam Eichenwald[…]
Announcing the 2017 Western Research Fellows (5/5/2017) - We're pleased to announce eleven recipients of this year's Western Research Fellowship. Topics span the range of issues affecting land… Read more about Announcing the 2017 Western Research Fellows[…]
The edge of the world – Adam Eichenwald (5/5/2017) - Hello from the edge! After a wonderful marathon of sleep, I am finally set up at base camp in Alaska… Read more about The edge of the world – Adam Eichenwald[…]
Alaska Bound – Adam Eichenwald (5/3/2017) - I’m sitting in the Seattle airport waiting for my next flight, which is in 6 hours. It’s late, I’m sleep… Read more about Alaska Bound – Adam Eichenwald[…]
Summer Fellowship Opportunity with TNC and Ucross (2/28/2017) - A Partnership between the Ucross High Plains Stewardship Initiative and The Nature Conservancy, Wyoming Chapter for a Summer Fellowship TNC… Read more about Summer Fellowship Opportunity with TNC and Ucross[…]
Ranch Crew: Applied Field Practicum (2/2/2017) - August 12-27, 2017 Do you love Western rangelands? Have you ever wondered what goes into managing livestock? Are you interested… Read more about Ranch Crew: Applied Field Practicum[…]
Western Research Fellowship – Apply Now (2/2/2017) - Are you planning research in the mountain west this summer? We should talk. There are lots of ways to fund… Read more about Western Research Fellowship – Apply Now[…]
Living with Public Lands: Snapshots of Sublette County – Sara Rose Tannenbaum (12/18/2016) - Click on the image below to see Western Research Fellow Sara Rose's multimedia article on Sublette County: Read more about Living with Public Lands: Snapshots of Sublette County – Sara Rose Tannenbaum[…]
Curiosity and Trust – Josh Morse (12/7/2016) - At the end of the day, I’m an introvert. Perhaps predictably, as I was gearing up to begin this summer’s… Read more about Curiosity and Trust – Josh Morse[…]
Sampling Soil across Wyoming Landscapes – Dan Kane (12/7/2016) - Thirteen days and nearly 600 soil samples later, we’re back from our last trip to Wyoming. The trip was a… Read more about Sampling Soil across Wyoming Landscapes – Dan Kane[…]
Restoring Ranches with Beartooth Capital Partners- Jay Chancellor (12/7/2016) - As I wrap up my research with Beartooth Capital Partners in Bozeman, Montana, I want to take a moment to… Read more about Restoring Ranches with Beartooth Capital Partners- Jay Chancellor[…]
The grass-fed challenge – Lucyann Murray (12/7/2016) - For those who are familiar with the beef industry, grass-fed and finished beef seems like a no-brainer. Healthier cows, healthier… Read more about The grass-fed challenge – Lucyann Murray[…]
6/27/16 – Josh Morse (12/7/2016) - “Be prepared to do a lot of listening”. I’ve gotten this line of advice from every friend, colleague, and mentor… Read more about 6/27/16 – Josh Morse[…]
“Where there’s just enough civilization” – Sara Rose (12/7/2016) -   Greetings from Pinedale, Wyoming! “Where there’s just enough civilization,” reads the sign at the entrance to town. Now, I… Read more about “Where there’s just enough civilization” – Sara Rose[…]
Update from the field – Becca Shively (12/7/2016) -   Greetings from the Pacific Northwest!   Unbelievably I’m now into my 6th week working with the Rural Voices for… Read more about Update from the field – Becca Shively[…]
Out of the Mountains – Taylor Ganz (12/7/2016) -   Well, we did it! With much better weather for our second attempt, Grace, Conor and I were able to… Read more about Out of the Mountains – Taylor Ganz[…]
Grass Fed Beef Explorations – Lucyann Murray (12/7/2016) - Hello from Portland, OR – pretentious foodie capital of the world! Paleo, gluten free, local, grass-fed, heritage, etc. are plastered… Read more about Grass Fed Beef Explorations – Lucyann Murray[…]
Snow in the Mountains – Taylor Ganz (12/7/2016) - Time for another project update. As most of you know Grace and I came out of the mountains last Thursday… Read more about Snow in the Mountains – Taylor Ganz[…]
WRF Update from the Field – Taylor Ganz (12/7/2016) - Hi Everyone! I wanted to write and give an update on the research project to those of you who have… Read more about WRF Update from the Field – Taylor Ganz[…]
Request for Proposals – Western Research Fellowship (12/7/2016) - Proposal Deadline - Monday, March 7, 2016 Information Session - Monday, February 15, 2016 | 4 pm | Sage 8a… Read more about Request for Proposals – Western Research Fellowship[…]
Wildfire, the “Wild West”, and Wyoming’s Wilderness Study Areas – Sara Rose (9/21/2016) - Greetings from New Haven! My summer in Wyoming has come to a close. I’ve traded sagebrush steppe for industrial seaport,… Read more about Wildfire, the “Wild West”, and Wyoming’s Wilderness Study Areas – Sara Rose[…]
Campaign for a Soil Ethic- Eamon Heberlein (9/19/2016) - Northern Plains Resource Council is a grassroots conservation group that organizes Montana citizens, farmers, and ranchers around coal, water quality,… Read more about Campaign for a Soil Ethic- Eamon Heberlein[…]
Restoring Ranches with Beartooth Capital Partners – Jay Chancellor (8/15/2016) - As I wrap up my research with Beartooth Capital Partners in Bozeman, Montana, I want to take a moment to… Read more about Restoring Ranches with Beartooth Capital Partners – Jay Chancellor[…]
Sampling Soil across Wyoming Landscapes – Dan Kane (8/15/2016) - Thirteen days and nearly 600 soil samples later, we’re back from our last trip to Wyoming. The trip was a… Read more about Sampling Soil across Wyoming Landscapes – Dan Kane[…]
The grass-fed challenge – Lucyann Murray (8/5/2016) - For those who are familiar with the beef industry, grass-fed and finished beef seems like a no-brainer. Healthier cows, healthier… Read more about The grass-fed challenge – Lucyann Murray[…]
8/1/16 – Dan Kane (8/1/2016) - Hello from Wyoming! Two weeks ago, I spent four days collecting soil samples at the Tensleep Preserve after the rest… Read more about 8/1/16 – Dan Kane[…]
Update from the Field – Dan Kane (8/1/2016) - Hello from Wyoming! Two weeks ago, I spent four days collecting soil samples at the Tensleep Preserve after the rest… Read more about Update from the Field – Dan Kane[…]
Public-Private Partnerships: Making Conservation Work in the West (4/14/2016) - Join the Ucross High Plains Stewardship Initiative, Westies, and the Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy for a two-part… Read more about Public-Private Partnerships: Making Conservation Work in the West[…]
Public-Private Partnerships: Making Conservation Work in the West (4/4/2016) - Join the Ucross High Plains Stewardship Initiative, Westies, and the Yale Center for Environmental Law and Policy for a two-part… Read more about Public-Private Partnerships: Making Conservation Work in the West[…]
Holistic Management with the Savory Institute: Professional Skills Module (2/14/2016) - Are you interested in livestock operations, rangeland management, and climate-friendly agriculture? This two-day workshop is a unique offering designed to… Read more about Holistic Management with the Savory Institute: Professional Skills Module[…]
Request for Proposals – Western Research Fellowship (2/11/2016) - Proposal Deadline - Monday, March 7, 2016 Information Session - Monday, February 15, 2016 | 4 pm | Sage 8a… Read more about Request for Proposals – Western Research Fellowship[…]
Ucross: A Portrait in Place (1/24/2016) - A chance meeting three years ago over dinner at the Ucross Foundation schoolhouse led to a unique collaboration between UHPSI… Read more about Ucross: A Portrait in Place[…]
Looking West: Voices from the American Plains – Brian Kuehl, Principal, K-Coe Isom (11/28/2015) - Our third and final lunch lecture of the fall semester will be Monday, November 30th! Come hear Brian Kuehl, a… Read more about Looking West: Voices from the American Plains – Brian Kuehl, Principal, K-Coe Isom[…]
Wyoming Grasslands Symposium: The Art and Science of Grasslands (6/28/2015) - A day long symposium with morning talks, lunch and afternoon workshops: bird and plant walk, photography workshop, ranch mapping and… Read more about Wyoming Grasslands Symposium: The Art and Science of Grasslands[…]
Top prize at FES Colloqium (5/5/2015) - UHPSI regular Catherine Kuhn recently took one of the top prizes at the 2015 Master's Student Research Colloquium held at… Read more about Top prize at FES Colloqium[…]
Presentations at the Association of American Geographers Annual Meeting (4/27/2015) - Three members of the UHPSI team headed to Chicago last week to deliver research on three topics: (1) an automated… Read more about Presentations at the Association of American Geographers Annual Meeting[…]
Demographics research addressed in secondary press (3/5/2015) - An UHPSI article on the changing demographic trends among farm and ranch operators was released in the December issue of… Read more about Demographics research addressed in secondary press[…]
UHPSI research makes a splash at ASLO (2/28/2015) - Catherine Kuhn recently traveled with Yale FES' Raymond lab to the Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography's Aquatic… Read more about UHPSI research makes a splash at ASLO[…]
Hydrology presentation at American Geophysical Union (1/29/2015) - The American Geophysical Union (AGU) holds an annual meeting attracting more than 25,000 attendees. The AGU conference is a catch-all… Read more about Hydrology presentation at American Geophysical Union[…]
UHPSI featured on Australia Broadcasting Corporation news programs (1/18/2015) - Reporter Brett Worthington of the Australia Broadcasting Corporation recently conducted an interview with one of UHPSI's researchers regarding our demographic… Read more about UHPSI featured on Australia Broadcasting Corporation news programs[…]
Ucross mead a hit at annual Christmas party (12/26/2014) - After several months of careful monitoring, the mead that was produced during a summer-time pollinator presentation and workshop event made… Read more about Ucross mead a hit at annual Christmas party[…]
Demographics Research Published in Rangelands (12/20/2014) - UHPSI's article on changing demographic trends among farm and ranch operators was released in the December issue of Rangelands journal,… Read more about Demographics Research Published in Rangelands[…]
One last hydrologic sampling run before the winter! (11/3/2014) - This past month, team member Catherine Kuhn popped out to the ranch for a three day sampling bonanza. Over the… Read more about One last hydrologic sampling run before the winter![…]
Presentations at the Northeast ArcGIS User’s Conference (10/8/2014) - Two team members recently attended the annual Northeast ArcGIS User's Conference to present research tied to the High Plains. A… Read more about Presentations at the Northeast ArcGIS User’s Conference[…]
Barbeque Social to Attract New Interest (9/13/2014) - September is traditionally the month where academic routines resume their normal trajectories, and this September was no different. As Yale… Read more about Barbeque Social to Attract New Interest[…]
New Manuscript Out for Review (9/11/2014) - Following on the tails of demographic research and land cover research manuscripts, UHPSI recently completed a new manuscript focused on… Read more about New Manuscript Out for Review[…]
Quantifying Sheep Grazing of Leafy Spurge (9/3/2014) - In coordination with Nathan Lindsey (Manager of Conservation and Stewardship at Apache Foundation), Charlie designed, constructed, and monitored a set… Read more about Quantifying Sheep Grazing of Leafy Spurge[…]
Dr. Pete Raymond Visits Ucross (9/2/2014) - We had the opportunity to host Dr. Pete Raymond, Professor of Ecosystem Ecology at Yale F&ES, and his family (wife… Read more about Dr. Pete Raymond Visits Ucross[…]
Pollinators: Learning the Value of their Protection and their Products (8/6/2014) - Devin Routh recently led a local crowd in back-to-back events at the Raymond Plank Creative Center here at Ucross. Nearly… Read more about Pollinators: Learning the Value of their Protection and their Products[…]
UHPSI Map Takes Third Place! (7/21/2014) - Lindsi Seegmiller recently represented UHPSI at the 2014 ESRI User's Conference in San Diego, California, from July 14-18. ESRI is… Read more about UHPSI Map Takes Third Place![…]
Join Us — Pollinators: Learning the Value of their Protection and their Products (7/11/2014) - Hello friends and fans! UHPSI will be putting together an event on July 23rd titled "Pollinators: Learning the Value of… Read more about Join Us — Pollinators: Learning the Value of their Protection and their Products[…]
Baby pronghorn underfoot! (6/10/2014) - While we were out sampling for land cover around the ranch, Catherine and Lindsi happened upon this baby pronghorn! Young… Read more about Baby pronghorn underfoot![…]
Leafy Spurge from a Distance (6/9/2014) - Our first round of work capturing the spectral signatures of leafy spurge is complete. During peak flowering period, leafy spurge… Read more about Leafy Spurge from a Distance[…]
Invasive species assessment (5/27/2014) - In tandem with the collection of spectral signatures (see previous post), we recently began an intensive burst of field data… Read more about Invasive species assessment[…]
First field work of the summer! (5/19/2014) - Catherine and Charlie ventured into the field last week with our portable spectrometer, courtesy of the Yale Center for Earth… Read more about First field work of the summer![…]
NEARC Conference Poster Award (5/14/2014) -   On Tuesday, May 13, UHPSI team members in New Haven—including Henry Glick, Lindsi Seegmiller, and Devin Routh—travelled to the… Read more about NEARC Conference Poster Award[…]
Let the summer begin! (5/7/2014) - The UHPS team recently congregated for the last time before heading our separate ways for the summer field season. Over… Read more about Let the summer begin![…]
The Eagles are Coming! (5/5/2014) - April has seen the UHPSI team diving into detailed analysis of avian acoustics.  In particular, the team has focused on… Read more about The Eagles are Coming![…]
Field Equipment: Spectrometer (4/22/2014) - As the 2014 spring semester comes to a close, the UHPSI team has begun preparing for the summer field season. One… Read more about Field Equipment: Spectrometer[…]
Rethinking Greenhouse Construction (4/10/2014) - In our recent stakeholder meeting, a few participants spent time discussing the application of season extension practices to enhance crop… Read more about Rethinking Greenhouse Construction[…]
Ucross Stakeholder Meeting (3/10/2014) - Michelle Sullivan, John Heyneman, and UHPSI recently collaborated in bringing together a wide variety of regional residents invested in the… Read more about Ucross Stakeholder Meeting[…]
Farmers and Ranchers are Getting Older (2/26/2014) - UHPSI is concluding a short-term study looking at the changing demographics among farm and ranch operators across the state of… Read more about Farmers and Ranchers are Getting Older[…]
New Yale F&ES Master’s Students Join UHPSI (2/7/2014) - We have decided to bring along two fantastic master's students to work for UHPSI this Spring semester and into the… Read more about New Yale F&ES Master’s Students Join UHPSI[…]
The Ucross High Plains Stewardship Team wins a Google Research Award (1/30/2014) - The Ucross High Plains Stewardship Initiative research team (UHPSI) has recently received a “Google Earth Engine Research Award”. The award… Read more about The Ucross High Plains Stewardship Team wins a Google Research Award[…]
Transition Analysis for River Morphology (1/24/2014) - Water is most decidedly a crucial resource for the Ucross ranch. Fueled to a large extent by snowmelt from the… Read more about Transition Analysis for River Morphology[…]
NASA Snow School (1/15/2014) - Charlie was able to attend a NASA-funded snow science field workshop at the Fraser Experimental Forest during the second week… Read more about NASA Snow School[…]
Follow us on Facebook (1/1/2014) - If you're looking for updates or news from before May of 2013, you're out of luck. UHPSI was created in… Read more about Follow us on Facebook[…]
Happy Holidays! (12/20/2013) - Happy Holidays from all of us at UHPSI! Many thanks to everyone at Ucross and throughout Wyoming for welcoming us… Read more about Happy Holidays![…]
Western meadowlark spectogram (10/7/2013) - Spectrogram (plot of frequency vs. time) of a western meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta). Recorded at 10:04 AM on September 24th -… Read more about Western meadowlark spectogram[…]
Early winter storm (10/4/2013) - Winter can come swiftly and without solid warning these days; Ucross was just hit by a fairly early snowstorm that… Read more about Early winter storm[…]
Pheasants battle for dominance (10/3/2013) - More wildlife ignoring humans while battling for dominance. These ring-necked pheasants were seen south of Clear Creek. Read more about Pheasants battle for dominance[…]
Dueling pronghorns part II (10/2/2013) - As the winner chased off the loser, we noticed three females grazing in the distance (slightly off frame to the… Read more about Dueling pronghorns part II[…]
Dueling pronghorns (10/1/2013) - We woke up on our last day in Ucross to a September snowstorm! On our way to the airport with… Read more about Dueling pronghorns[…]
Installing acoustic recording units (9/29/2013) - Ambika and Charlie set up a number of mobile acoustic recording stations around the ranch during the last two weeks… Read more about Installing acoustic recording units[…]
High Plains panorama (9/29/2013) - Panorama shot from a high point in the West Skeet Range pasture. Not perfect stitching, but gives one a sense… Read more about High Plains panorama[…]
Leafy spurge rainbow (9/28/2013) - Leafy spurge, one of the priority invasive species on the ranch, goes through a number of morphological changes throughout the… Read more about Leafy spurge rainbow[…]
Traffic signs of Ucross (9/27/2013) - Needless to say, there's a lot of beautiful open space on the Ucross Ranch. Spending time there, one begins to… Read more about Traffic signs of Ucross[…]
Needle and thread (9/24/2013) - Following up on our last post, here's a close up of 'needle and thread'. As you can see, the common… Read more about Needle and thread[…]
Fall field work (9/20/2013) - Back in Ucross for some Fall field work! Devin points out 'needle and thread' (Hesperostipa comata) - a common (and… Read more about Fall field work[…]
Pronghorns at sunrise (9/19/2013) - Pronghorn antelope running along the truck at sunrise yesterday. Not the best quality, but enjoy! Read more about Pronghorns at sunrise[…]
Sewing up ARU covers (9/11/2013) - Sewing covers for the external microphones on the ARU's. Read more about Sewing up ARU covers[…]
Building acoustic recording units (9/10/2013) - Charlie has been hard at work building a set of five homemade acoustic recording units (ARU's). These units consist of… Read more about Building acoustic recording units[…]
More traffic at Ucross (9/3/2013) - More traffic at the Clear Creek bridge in the 1950's! Many thanks to Mike Latham for these historic photos. Read more about More traffic at Ucross[…]
Early days at Ucross (9/3/2013) - Before the completion of Interstate 90, Wyoming State Routes 14 and 16 were the primary corridors for travel from the… Read more about Early days at Ucross[…]
Bumper-to-bumper at Ucross (9/2/2013) - Check out the Yellowstone traffic backed up at the intersection of 14 and 16 at Ucross in the 1950's. This… Read more about Bumper-to-bumper at Ucross[…]
Default title (8/21/2013) - We've been playing around with a number of methods for sharing our spatial data. Star has been working with CartoDB… Read more about Default title[…]
Sandhill cranes (8/19/2013) - The sand hill crane is a common resident of Wyoming during summer breeding seasons. These elegant birds have distinct vocalizations… Read more about Sandhill cranes[…]
Ucross historical map (8/18/2013) - History! In 1932, an Iowa land company decided to build a town at the junction of routes 14 and 16,… Read more about Ucross historical map[…]
Ucross family histories (8/17/2013) - Mike Latham shared this gem with us! 100 years of family histories from Ucross and three adjacent towns. More historical… Read more about Ucross family histories[…]
Acoustic monitoring stations – Phase I (8/13/2013) - A tour of the Ucross team's Acoustic Monitoring Program — Phase 1 — with Charlie: Read more about Acoustic monitoring stations – Phase I[…]
Testing acoustic recording units (8/12/2013) - Setting up a permanent station for collecting audio recordings of birds requires more than just a knowledge of the birds… Read more about Testing acoustic recording units[…]
Exploring the Bighorns (8/9/2013) - Clear Creek, the largest waterway on the ranch, has it's origins in the southern reaches of the Bighorn Mountains in… Read more about Exploring the Bighorns[…]
Loggerhead shrike (8/7/2013) - The loggerhead shrike is a small, rather innocuous bird occupying the open areas of the high plains. Despite its demure… Read more about Loggerhead shrike[…]
The backstory (8/6/2013) - Standing on the hill at the center of the Ucross's open range, the sheer geographic size of the place doesn't… Read more about The backstory[…]
Ugulates! (8/5/2013) - By far the most common ungulate — a technical term roughly meaning "hoofed animal", though not all hoofed animals are… Read more about Ugulates![…]
Cruising the ranch (8/3/2013) - It's true that scientific fieldwork includes a lot of time spent assessing particular pieces of land — using GPS units,… Read more about Cruising the ranch[…]
Badgers and coyotes hunting together (8/1/2013) - Charlie and Devin were collecting data near the Stone House South pasture in the northern half of the ranch and… Read more about Badgers and coyotes hunting together[…]
Recording bird calls (8/1/2013) - For the past week, we've been digitally recording bird calls from behind the Raymond Plank Creative Center at Ucross. The… Read more about Recording bird calls[…]
Targeting leafy spurge (7/31/2013) - One of the major tasks our field team is tackling this summer is mapping and modeling the distribution of leafy… Read more about Targeting leafy spurge[…]
Common mullein (7/30/2013) - Charlie found this common mullein that is nearly 2 meters tall! Read more about Common mullein[…]
Common mullein (7/30/2013) - Common Mullen (Verbascum thapsus) is an invasive biennial plant, often referred to as “pioneer’s TP” As it is easily crowded… Read more about Common mullein[…]
UHPSI website is live! (7/23/2013) - Our project website is now live: Read more about UHPSI website is live![…]
The plight of invasive species (7/4/2013) - We live in an era of globalization, the effects of which are felt in ecological as well as social and… Read more about The plight of invasive species[…]
Opuntia humifusa (6/27/2013) - People tend to associate cactus with the deserts of the Southwest, but there is at least one species that's also… Read more about Opuntia humifusa[…]
Water scarcity (6/18/2013) - The availability of water is the major determinant of vegetation and land use on the High Plains. Well-watered valleys like… Read more about Water scarcity[…]
Summer snow (6/11/2013) - Every June, cottonwood trees (Populus deltoides var. occidentalis) release clouds of silky-haired seeds that can be carried for miles on… Read more about Summer snow[…]