Radiation Use Efficiency in the Western Great Plains

Aboveground net primary production (ANPP) in drylands is often estimated using the Monteith Model. This model relies on an estimation of radiation use efficiency (RUE), which is the amount of dry matter produced per unit of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation. While ANPP trends are well studied, RUE remains less explored, particularly regarding the role of Read more about Radiation Use Efficiency in the Western Great Plains[…]

Long-term Recovery of Herbaceous Production and Plant Functional Type Composition on Reclaimed Well Pads in the Jonah Field

Jianing is investigating how aboveground net primary production (ANPP) and plant functional type composition recover over time on reclaimed gas well pads and in adjacent undisturbed areas in Jonah Field. The Jonah Field, located in the Upper Green River Basin of southwestern Wyoming, is a major site of natural gas development within dryland ecosystems, where Read more about Long-term Recovery of Herbaceous Production and Plant Functional Type Composition on Reclaimed Well Pads in the Jonah Field[…]

Soil Disturbances from Gas Development

Myroslav, under the mentorship of PhD candidate Damaris Chenoweth, is investigating how soil disturbances from gas development at the Jonah field affect the sagebrush ecosystem in Wyoming. His research focuses on understanding how well pad construction for hydraulic fracturing influences sagebrush regeneration— a key challenge for conservation. The project combines remote sensing and field-based methods. Read more about Soil Disturbances from Gas Development[…]

Fire Training with Fire SIG – Nate McMullen

When Josie Valette and I took over as co-managers of the Fire Student Interest Group (SIG) last spring, we agreed on a goal: squeeze every drop out of the unique leadership opportunity we possibly could. The potential for educational and professional programming was limitless, and we wanted to make the most of it. So when Read more about Fire Training with Fire SIG – Nate McMullen[…]

Enhancing Public Transit in Crested Butte, Colorado—Kathleen Maeder

Crested Butte, a mountain town located high in the Colorado Rockies, prides itself as a community infused with creativity, authenticity, and a deep sense of connection to the Town’s unique history and character. Yet the Town is at a crossroads: to preserve the qualities that make Crested Butte so beloved, it must reduce its car Read more about Enhancing Public Transit in Crested Butte, Colorado—Kathleen Maeder[…]