https://drylandecology.com/news daily 0.75 2025-06-17 https://drylandecology.com/news/johnbacovcin-biocrust-ecology-and-evolution monthly 0.5 2025-06-17 https://drylandecology.com/news/usda-grant-steers-rangeland-climate-resilience monthly 0.5 2025-06-17 https://drylandecology.com/news/carrieengagedscholarship monthly 0.5 2022-04-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1649264303301-RHAVGFREUKNUCCT0LYTE/IMG_1387.jpeg Lab News - Carrie featured in CSU Source, reflects on importance of engaged scholarship - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://drylandecology.com/news/new-paper-out-in-remote-sensing-in-ecology-and-conservation-nmay9-3x3tg-wntrs-r6lxs monthly 0.5 2021-08-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1625755227550-9VATC5YB3XL9NJKMBBPG/RSE_figure.jpeg Lab News - New paper out in Remote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://drylandecology.com/news/esa-early-career-publication-award monthly 0.5 2021-08-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1623337733361-7Y664JZ8B22TT203GVIQ/RestoreNet.jpg Lab News - RestoreNet paper wins ESA Early Career Publication Award! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://drylandecology.com/news/dem-welcomes-new-students monthly 0.5 2021-08-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1623964511299-VJZU5VZVXPPUFEHDE45L/Bacovcin_pic.jpeg Lab News - DEML welcomes 3 new students! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1623965329657-LF4YS599QYDVIGG1IPH5/Hunter.jpeg Lab News - DEML welcomes 3 new students! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1623965239469-HVG74B9K6TOMEB5PPMEC/Jessie_Fagan.jpeg Lab News - DEML welcomes 3 new students! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://drylandecology.com/news/new-collaborative-papers-out-on-plant-litter-crusts monthly 0.5 2021-07-08 https://drylandecology.com/news/inaugural-graduate-students-join-the-lab monthly 0.5 2021-06-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1623963761004-SMKTHGW6LF69R0QZNR8K/20210615_115802.jpeg Lab News - The Dryland Ecology and Management Lab is growing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1623963784901-GEZXVNQM85UAG6I5JF4A/Louisa+Photo.jpg Lab News - The Dryland Ecology and Management Lab is growing! https://drylandecology.com/news/new-paper-out-in-frontiers-in-microbiology monthly 0.5 2021-06-17 https://drylandecology.com/news/new-paper-out-in-remote-sensing-in-ecology-and-conservation monthly 0.5 2021-08-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1623965463404-6VD20NS5O0CNT4MYLAG0/IMG_2693.JPG Lab News - New paper out in Remote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://drylandecology.com/news/tag/CSU monthly 0.5 https://drylandecology.com/news/tag/students monthly 0.5 https://drylandecology.com/news/tag/Havrilla monthly 0.5 https://drylandecology.com/news/tag/Dryland.+Ecology+and+Management+Lab monthly 0.5 https://drylandecology.com/who-we-are daily 0.75 2025-06-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/564b0a37-254d-4544-9213-c198455a1785/Carrie+Havrilla_WCNR_Headshot.png Who we are https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1617656062166-3F0YL7H5VCBVPN3HCP1T/20181016-101257_orig.jpg Who we are https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1618331257457-FUJ0YZHIUW7RI198EKTU/unsplash-image-Y9AZOay6fPo.jpg Who we are https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1618257790014-ROHRTFLZOHOM45WB036X/texture-green-2.png Who we are https://drylandecology.com/our-team-gallery daily 0.75 2026-01-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1616608006954-HW56R5V5S4UQL1EVTS0J/image-asset.jpeg Our team gallery - Student 1 Donec ultrices ex ut ante consectetur, sed varius libero pharetra. Aenean consequat orci metus, in tempus erat venenatis sed. Nulla sollicitudin, sapien quis malesuada semper, felis lectus eleifend ipsum, ultrices hendrerit turpis lorem sit amet nunc. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1698091664260-EH06DCWJP9TA8I2R1AW3/3BDF4412-2AA7-4410-BF7C-82305F8D92FD_1_105_c.jpg Our team gallery - Mary Van Dyke (Postdoctoral Scholar) Mary (she/her) is a postdoctoral scholar interested in restoration and plant community ecology. She graduated with a Ph.D. from the University of California, Los Angeles in October 2023, where she studied how changes in water availability affect competition and coexistence in an annual grassland, in Dr. Nathan Kraft’s lab. She has joined the Dryland Ecology and Management lab to work on climate adaptive restoration strategies using functional trait-based approaches. In her free time Mary enjoys hiking, biking, watching NBA basketball, weaving, and hanging out with her dog Bambam. Email Mary | Website https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1623960014538-1UEC01ARLQVET1Y4XBTD/amy-gill.jpg Our team gallery - Amy Gill (Ph.D. Student) Amy (she/her) is a Ph.D. student interested in restoration ecology focusing on plant recruitment and understanding socio-ecological factors of restoration. Amy graduated from the University of Arizona (UA) with an MS in Rangeland Sciences where she was supported by the Fulbright Foreign Degree Program. Her MS thesis research focused on using a community assembly filter model as a platform to explore grassland restoration. Amy’s dissertation research at CSU focuses on restoration, seed mix design, invasive species management, and social aspects of ecological restoration. In her spare time, Amy enjoys watching movies, cooking, hanging out with friends over chai, and calling her family! Email Amy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1686069592418-EVA2WH0UHNA5VTG6KXCC/image-asset.jpeg Our team gallery - Ember Bradbury (Ph.D. Student) Ember (she/her) is a PhD student interested in restoration ecology, environmental justice, and the food-energy-water systems (FEWS) nexus. Ember graduated from University of Michigan with her M.S. in Conservation Ecology and Environmental Justice in 2022, where she studied food web dynamics and agroecosystem resilience in Dr. Ivette Perfecto's lab. She is supported by an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, and is a trainee in the InTERFEWS Graduate Program at CSU. Ember’s doctoral research explores climate-adaptive restoration strategies using the RestoreNet framework in Southwestern Colorado and long-term monitoring of restoration plots in the Piceance Basin. Ember also works as a birth doula and crisis advocate. In her spare time, Ember enjoys walking with her partner and their dog, knitting, gardening, and sitting in the sunshine. Email Ember https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1663599379667-UAJSCUSMRII8F6NN6I7W/image-asset.jpeg Our team gallery - Emily Swartz (Ph.D. Student) Emily (she/her) is a PhD student interested in community engaged restoration ecology. Emily holds an undergraduate degree in Geography and Environmental Studies from the University of Victoria in British Columbia, Canada. She is particularly interested in climate adapted restoration in arid environments. Her research will focus on innovative seeding techniques to improve germination and establishment of native plant communities in collaboration with the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe in Southwest Colorado. Prior to joining the Dryland Ecology and Management Lab at CSU, Emily worked with various nonprofits across the Western U.S. in the conservation field. When she isn’t working, Emily can be found doing pottery, gardening, cooking, playing with her puppy, Fiddle, and enjoys nearly all outdoor activities. Email Emily https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1689362211603-3Y1WFR4JL2D8F0IJUVJV/BBaless.jpeg Our team gallery - Nora Bales (Ph.D. Student) Nora (she/her) is a Ph.D. student studying restoration ecology, with a particular interest in the role of plant and soil relationships in rangeland restoration. Nora graduated from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with an MS in Environmental Sciences and Management where she studied plant and soil interactions. Her thesis was on biocrust plant relationships in arid California grasslands and the role of management and soil physical properties in restoration outcomes in California coastal rangelands. Nora’s doctoral research at CSU focuses on trait-based approaches to restoration in arid landscapes throughout the Western United States. In her spare time, Nora enjoys looking at flowers, skiing, hiking, and hanging out with her cat Fat Max. Email Nora https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1737048294873-0836GSJG5QF5OHPTZZD8/image-asset.jpeg Our team gallery - Abigail Ridder (Ph.D. Student) Abbie (she/her) is a Ph.D. student interested in the community ecology of disturbed plant communities. She graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2023 with bachelor's degrees in plant biology and environmental studies. Before grad school, Abbie did restoration work in Arches and Yosemite National Parks. Her research will look at using plant functional traits to facilitate forb restoration in Colorado drylands. In her spare time, Abbie enjoys finding new coffee shops, crocheting, and exploring the outdoors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1750438092159-W4E9YJ7SX7PDTRZBAVPG/image-asset.png Our team gallery - Jaxen Maynor (Undergraduate Research Fellow) Jax (they/them) is an undergraduate majoring in Restoration Ecology and Ethnic Studies. They are working in the lab as a CSU Undergraduate Chevron Fellow exploring using plant functional traits to improve native forb restoration. Their future goals are to go to graduate school and then to work with Indigenous communities on bringing back important cultural and ecological sites. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1695415753596-VT83ZI3YCTNII2CC88T0/EHalaburt+-+smallpic_0.png Our team gallery - Emma Halaburt (Undergraduate Honors Thesis Student) Emma (she/her) is an undergraduate student currently completing her undergraduate honors thesis on climate-adaptation educational materials in the lab titled “Front lines of climate change: teaching about climate adaptation in Colorado.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1652191031208-6BYDG5IKRO5NJ8VG1G16/jwong.jpeg Our team gallery - Jason Wong (Undergraduate Student Researcher) Jason (he/him) is an undergraduate student studying Restoration Ecology with a minor in Conservation Biology. Jason is interested in understanding soil properties in dryland ecosystems, managing invasive species, and restoration planning. Jason is currently looking at how ecosystems are affected by invasive species management. Before working at the Dryland Ecology and Management Lab, Jason worked as a Botany intern at CU Boulder, helping to identify plants across the Southern Front Range. In his free time, Jason enjoys basketball, hiking, and cooking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1688664391723-VP9RR4RLINLQX2QWS71L/Ashlee_photo.jpg Our team gallery - Bailey Caldwell (NSF Rocky Mountain-AMP REU Student) Bailey (she/her) is an undergraduate student majoring in Restoration Ecology. Bailey joined the lab as an REU student in the NSF Rocky Mountain AMP program working on a collaborative dryland restoration project with the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe. Bailey is interested in analyzing successful restoration techniques within dryland ecosystems and gaining an understanding of restoration management. Bailey is excited to start her ecological career with the Dryland Ecology and Management Lab and cannot wait to see where this takes her. In her free time, Bailey enjoys playing video games, spending time with friends, enjoying outdoors, and coffee shops. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1658862167202-FLFSRLQCLIJXD46KTVFG/IMG_6310+%282%29.jpg Our team gallery - Joelle Dilley (CSU Extension/NACC Intern) Joelle (she/her) is an undergraduate student studying Human Dimensions of Natural Resources. Joelle is interested in diverse and collaborative management approaches to the interconnectedness of humans and natural resources and wildlife. Joelle would like to focus on diversity and inclusion in outdoor recreations and is interested in pursuing graduate school for ski area sustainability and management. Joelle joined the lab as a 2022 CSU Extension Intern co-advised by Dr. Dominique David-Chavez (CSU Indigenous Data Stewards Lab) and Ty Smith (CSU Native American Cultural Center). In her free time, she enjoys rock climbing, snowboarding, reading, and spending time with friends and family. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1695414927319-WTMDEQBAJDN1WT5B0KPC/Alyssa-johnson.jpeg Our team gallery - Alyssa Johnson (Ph.D. Student) Alyssa is a Ph.D. student interested in soil ecology, restoration ecology, bison, and environmental and social justice. Alyssa graduated from l’Université de Lille with an M.S. in Management of European Affairs & Geopolitics. Alyssa’s doctoral research at CSU focuses on the socio-environmental injustice of lithium mining on Indigenous peoples lands, climate-adaptive restoration strategies using the RestoreNet framework in the Cortez region of Colorado. Prior to embarking on her Ph.D. at CSU, Alyssa worked in Spain, Bolivia, and France for the last 12 years. Alyssa enjoys spending time with her son/family, hiking everywhere in Colorado/Wyoming, swimming, gardening, and trying new food. Email Alyssa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1684261079444-R9BOA7PJYF6JRIE0TUSR/image-asset.jpeg Our team gallery - Dr. Mabruka Hadya (Research Associate) Mabruka (she/her) is a research associate interested in plant ecology and restoration. Mabruka graduated from Colorado State University with her Ph.D. in Ecology in Spring 2019, where she studied rangeland restoration ecology in Dr. Mark Paschke's lab. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1623969157887-KQNJDM1C70QL86E4J0B9/Hunter.jpeg Our team gallery - Hunter Geist-Sanchez (Undergraduate Research Technician) Hunter (he/him) is an undergraduate student with a major in Ecosystem Science and Sustainability and a minor in Political Science. Hunter is interested in relaying restoration tactics to the public as well as policy makers to make better policy choices for the management of rangelands. Hunter came to the lab as a CSU Extension Intern (Summer ‘21). In the lab, Hunter is working on a survey to understand human dimensions of rangeland restoration including partner goals and motivations for participating in a networked restoration study (RestoreNet). In his free time, Hunter enjoys gardening, hiking, and spending time with friends and family. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1616623334578-Y90OE5AEKXN4K4C3ILCZ/louisa-photo_2.jpg Our team gallery - Louisa Kimmell (M.S. Student) Louisa (she/her) is a Master's student interested in soil health, restoration ecology, and carbon sequestration. In 2019 she graduated from Tufts University with a bachelor's degree in Geology and Environmental Science. For the past two years Louisa has lived in Aspen, Colorado, where she worked as an environmental educator, as well as in local government for the Environmental Health department. As a member of the Dryland Ecology and Management Lab, Louisa is working on (1) a dryland soil restoration meta-analysis and (2) a soil microbiome study using the RestoreNet project. In her free time, Louisa enjoys backpacking, biking, and baking! https://drylandecology.com/research daily 0.75 2025-06-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1623342117186-472HPG30HEMSHO9GPXKH/IMG_7127.jpeg Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1623342131594-UOBVH3FWSY1ODUJ94LJ0/IMG_7159.JPG Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1623342156294-2RKZR8LDSGN7AAE10OHE/IMG_7143.jpeg Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1658864976768-9Z1GDGRYX9V61Y1YC1R3/IMG_6310+%282%29.jpg Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1623342330144-SVFTFVZY47CTRG5MWJ8K/Powell_center_year2.jpg Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1623342375022-ATVK6ARVE8NNGJOY451S/IMG_0415.JPG Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1623342351749-W3EBNMCH52C2H3FBJYYW/img-5002.jpg Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1623342535888-Z86E6YXYWXFCIYT3L6CX/IMG_0061+%281%29.jpg Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1623342563292-PI8C340EP4MQQFYWE3EA/IMG_4993.jpeg Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1623342736792-CNLWMBZJ5HQI73EXY9TJ/Jornada_Field.png Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1658865022176-YBCVTO4ORKFVNC2GF4OS/IMG_6183.jpg Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1658865033153-PTZR72NY7EHKXFY0AHKN/Image+from+iOS+%282%29.jpg Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1624306825140-524EBA59NSP6KVB0PS9P/Soil+icon.png Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1624306786723-4JMXOPHA1KDTOWD3BDZR/Grass+icon.png Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1624306810659-4AKK7G80M6WTDQKZWK07/Sage+icon.png Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1623341895403-NTTHF1GBGCVN9CRNGEC4/IMG_1702.JPG Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1642000651610-0N8YRY015JKAIII3W5WB/Lab+in+Field.jpeg Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1731693107318-6SJXYFXBVY6ELSUYIQM8/R6__1570.jpg Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1658865245796-U1K6617OVJKKKOAG7C9X/FYCxlfKUsAUIDzy.jpeg Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1623342940109-FQAEANMGDFYVJPE10LYC/c.jpeg Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1658865131170-HNCLZOJ012SJ27RVEZTT/IMG_6310+%282%29.jpg Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1623341988335-9G7QHJ9BG4KYCJ48M6MQ/IMG_7129.jpeg Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1731693158427-RDNEWA7WKDI46NQWYODI/R6__1496.jpg Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1623963326854-N0F8984J8ZP5F3NAPOY7/IMG_7136.jpg Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1653673324893-C3UN1RX6WLN41X58UQYT/IMG_0550.jpg Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1653673209568-QTDE135VSZUT8SOEGSTK/fullsizeoutput_46a.jpeg Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1653673613014-PHIYNIH6R7E9AVF9K8Y1/IMG_5345.jpg Research https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1616620076191-WDA51SEZ7N7YRTC5ZTJO/unsplash-image-rMjB9iFPd8M.jpg Research https://drylandecology.com/publications daily 0.75 2024-02-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1624285083871-84GZVHTAGKKS0P1S3KXY/Artboard+1.png Publications https://drylandecology.com/home daily 1.0 2025-06-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1623771572232-6AMECI636Y7XJB1D471E/IMG_1176.jpg Home - Protecting drylands in a changing world We’re the Dryland Ecology and Management Lab, a team of plant and soil ecologists working on basic and applied, cross-scale ecological questions, all to make dryland ecosystems more resilient to global change. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1618415372358-ZKS65KIK6SKAO3SM25OL/Asset+5.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/e1190edf-cb2a-4226-8275-95250ed577e0/pivot-energy-1536x1023-1.jpg Home - What makes our work unique Here is a description of something that makes your lab unique. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Fusce mattis turpis vel ex semper, feugiat tincidunt quam mollis. Etiam malesuada molestie lacinia. Donec neque lectus, ornare ac massa vitae, faucibus vestibulum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1623342375022-ATVK6ARVE8NNGJOY451S/IMG_0415.JPG Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1617396018111-H8SLEPWAFLMOLCFM1M7K/unsplash-image-LfzQmGo63hY.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1617390443172-DO3ULGI0CPSGQ23KBAZF/unsplash-image-48YA4iIb8qU.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1621351038780-5N9XLHQ3X6YBGN4U9CVP/unsplash-image-RQjC6pRwm6k.jpg Home https://drylandecology.com/projects daily 0.75 2024-07-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1618444524211-B46QW7TA39SIMFGBSBMT/unsplash-image-wuHPFRWtDLI.jpg Projects https://drylandecology.com/projects/grassland-vulnerability monthly 0.5 2025-06-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1617037717997-2X2VKOX3C12W2SN75ZNK/unsplash-image-Ttb95aRSTFs.jpg Projects - Grassland vulnerability to future climate change - We can proactively design landscapes. We are currently working with a climate-adaptive management team to translate findings into management actions (e.g., incorporating drought-tolerant species and cultivars into restoration planning). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1617037692012-MBPDKW8RO6HD4PHB8U3E/unsplash-image-e5r7wPtSGG0.jpg Projects - Grassland vulnerability to future climate change - Climate change alters grass habitat suitability. Overall, C3 species habitat suitability decreased, while C4 species increased across the western US. Habitat suitability declines aligned in space with areas experiencing future warming and decreased monsoonal precipitation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1623341680391-9I2N0SMBHS28HXPEYQWH/fullsizeoutput_f19.jpeg Projects - Grassland vulnerability to future climate change - About the project The western United States is experiencing increased temperatures, greater moisture deficits, and increasing aridification. Yet, we have limited knowledge of how vegetation of these systems will respond to climate change, which populations and communities are most vulnerable, and what management actions can be used to respond to these changes. Goals of this project are to: (1) estimate climate exposure and vulnerability of for grassland resources in National Parks in southeastern Utah; (2) synthesize knowledge about vegetation sensitivity to aridification; (3) identify short- and long-term climate-adaptive management strategies that enhance adaptive capacity; and (4) incorporate strategies into management plans and actions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1623339704945-LXFZ9F3WBJ7P7FEDHHJP/unsplash-image-wq8A9QDW8oE.jpg Projects - Grassland vulnerability to future climate change - Abiotic conditions structure C3 and C4 niches. Mean annual temperature (MAT), monsoonal precipitation, and soil texture were important environmental factors controlling grass species distributions. MAT was especially influential in determining C3 species niches. https://drylandecology.com/projects/ecovoltaics monthly 0.5 2025-06-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1750435775477-FRNC7EU69TGD9WJXRLE8/unsplash-image-5slElzL0yaY.jpg Projects - Ecovoltaics: Synergies between solar development and dryland restoration - Effects of microclimate on seedling and biocrust recruitment What dryland plants are most successful under solar panels? How does microclimate affect plant and biocrust development? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/b7197023-7b75-47c5-a886-b86e1cd8d436/pivot-energy-1536x1023-1.jpg Projects - Ecovoltaics: Synergies between solar development and dryland restoration - About the project Ecovoltaics is a sustainable approach to solar energy development that integrates ecological considerations into the design and management of solar farms. We are working with communities and solar companies to explore opportunities to sustain solar productivity while harnessing solar arrays to promote plant and soil restoration in dryland ecosystems. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1750435629105-DXXSCPGV9FK47Y50G4UL/unsplash-image-wCKlrZM32yE.jpg Projects - Ecovoltaics: Synergies between solar development and dryland restoration - Effects of plants on surface reflectivity We are testing low-stature, shade tolerant plants with high surface reflectivity to promote productivity of bifacial solar panels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1750435957018-EH2CC5VFLUXBZVHFZHYM/unsplash-image-ndz_u1_tFZo.jpg Projects - Ecovoltaics: Synergies between solar development and dryland restoration - Tradeoffs Exploring how we can best optimize treatment combinations that promote plant recruitment and soil health, ecosystem services, and solar productivity. https://drylandecology.com/projects/livestocksoilhealth monthly 0.5 2025-06-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1721773957568-JRL5VHYRU5QU3HFWQP3J/unsplash-image-aO_jMXTduUE.jpg Projects - Harnessing livestock and microbes to improve rangeland productivity and soil health - Seeding Strategies Broadcast seeding vs seed balls (or seed “pellets”), crossed with microbial inoculation and pitting https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1721773928604-WOGUP3KGMXDD7AOGZH7U/unsplash-image-7BeJEad4cso.jpg Projects - Harnessing livestock and microbes to improve rangeland productivity and soil health - Soil Health Strategies Microbially rich soil inoculation and soil pitting for moisture retention https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1721773989265-5ZF3HW6BZ5V7E48D24L6/unsplash-image-u9cIE0tXagc.jpg Projects - Harnessing livestock and microbes to improve rangeland productivity and soil health - Livestock Interactions Short-duration cattle grazing treatments to incorporate seeds into the soil https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1729534897243-DF23WKFM33M2P9OONIHK/Screenshot+2024-10-12+114253.png Projects - Harnessing livestock and microbes to improve rangeland productivity and soil health - Digging pits https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1729534898204-TN6XE5L68ATZZAR0VCSW/Screenshot+2024-10-12+114606.png Projects - Harnessing livestock and microbes to improve rangeland productivity and soil health - Taking soil samples for microbial analysis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1729535128220-Q4SZ85C45MHB7WH8GIZH/Screenshot+2024-10-21+122243.png Projects - Harnessing livestock and microbes to improve rangeland productivity and soil health - Grading plots before treatment install https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1729535123379-MTQLQB0FPKV3SIUKPQGE/Screenshot+2024-10-21+122322.png Projects - Harnessing livestock and microbes to improve rangeland productivity and soil health - Seeding the plots https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1729535126029-E6O85H8G2A2WOHEH1YJR/Screenshot+2024-10-21+122344.png Projects - Harnessing livestock and microbes to improve rangeland productivity and soil health - Distributing seedballs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1729534894676-O21Y98HXOZAWDGVKP9JH/Screenshot+2024-10-12+114327.png Projects - Harnessing livestock and microbes to improve rangeland productivity and soil health - Applying topsoil to the treatment plots https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1729534894156-E2MDHEMLEBCTA0E68ZKN/Screenshot+2024-10-12+114448.png Projects - Harnessing livestock and microbes to improve rangeland productivity and soil health - Cows grazing in the plot https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1729535120480-JQE98ZR4FSYE51USEYQF/Screenshot+2024-10-12+114433.png Projects - Harnessing livestock and microbes to improve rangeland productivity and soil health https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1729535135375-CEI2V3ZSU4ENA8IVBPUO/Screenshot+2024-10-12+114513.png Projects - Harnessing livestock and microbes to improve rangeland productivity and soil health - Cow grazing in the plot https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/8f33c515-4aaa-429b-b0c6-c5fe2d277ec4/Screenshot+2024-10-12+114526.jpg Projects - Harnessing livestock and microbes to improve rangeland productivity and soil health - About the project Seed-based restoration is an important part of supporting the recovery and health of degraded rangelands in arid and semiarid environments, but is often challenged by ongoing disturbance. Rangelands are frequently used for livestock grazing, and closing off these important areas while seeds establish may not always be feasible. In this study, we are exploring potential synergies among rangeland seeding, soil health (e.g., soil inoculation, pits, and seedballs), and livestock grazing treatments in partnership with RestoreNet and land managers across the western United States. https://drylandecology.com/projects/seedballs monthly 0.5 2025-06-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/7702a0cb-e75b-454d-a5c1-f89ca9beabb0/seed+balls.jpg Projects - Seed pellets: a protective dryland seeding method - Method Bike-made seedballs were compared with broadcast seeding in a greenhouse study. Bike balls were found to improve native seed germination. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1721054161953-DHXDCWDF15UHVJJL4FNV/image-asset.jpeg Projects - Seed pellets: a protective dryland seeding method - Timing A study being conducted at the Southwest Colorado Research Center is currently investigating whether germination is better if seedballs are distributed in the fall or monsoon season. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/86b10019-ba6b-452c-88a7-4e632564f14e/Capture.jpg Projects - Seed pellets: a protective dryland seeding method - About the project Seed pellets (or “seed balls”) can be used to protect seeds from harsh conditions and predation in between optimal times for germination, which in drylands, often follow precipitation pulses. However, this method of seeding is relatively new to restoration practitioners, and little is known about the best methods, timing, and additions for seedballs to increase native plant establishment. DEML and partner research groups, are working on many questions around using seedballs as a tool for dryland restoration. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1721054133937-8YMYA2RT9AW0SW756CVN/image-asset.jpeg Projects - Seed pellets: a protective dryland seeding method - Additions Activated charcoal and biocrust inocolum improve plant germination when incorporated into seed balls. We are also investigating if incorporating bulked native soil inocolum into seed balls will improve soil health and plant germination. https://drylandecology.com/projects/indaziflamsoilmicrobes monthly 0.5 2024-11-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1655130958414-9LBRURHFGUT6U6335MFT/boulder-flatirons.jpeg Projects - Effects of indaziflam herbicide on native plant and soil microbial communities - About the project Invasive exotic grasses (e.g., cheatgrass) have invaded tens of millions of acres of rangeland and open space in the western United States with devastating impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Despite intensive management, invasive grasses have remained a major management challenge. Indaziflam (marketed as Rejuvra®/Esplanade® by Bayer CropScience) is a relatively new pre-emergent herbicide that was recently approved for use to control invasive grasses on rangeland and open space. In recent years, Indaziflam has shown promise to reduce or eliminate cover of target invasive annual grasses including cheatgrass. Yet, potential impacts on non-target organisms remain a concern. We are partnering with land managers in Boulder County in Colorado to investigate effects of Indaziflam herbicide on non-target soil microbes ad native plant communities. https://drylandecology.com/projects/crp-pollinator-seeding monthly 0.5 2025-06-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1625591378780-FQ5EAU6YJLMVY08NDY3H/unsplash-image-E7cCz6lkvcI.jpg Projects - Trait-based approaches to improve success of dryland restoration in the US Conservation Reserve Program - About the project There is growing concern about the status and trends of pollinators across U.S. dryland ecosystems. The U.S. Farm Service Agency’s Conservation Research Program (CRP) CP-42 program seeks improve the quantity and quality of pollinator habitat. However, establishing these forb-rich plantings in dryland regions is difficult and plantings frequently fail to meet the program objectives. We are collaborating with researchers at the USDA-Agricultural Research Service (ARS) to investigate what seeding strategies and functional trait-based approaches support the establishment of pollinator-friendly plants across CRP plantings across drylands of the western U.S. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/28ddda8f-c993-444f-a8e8-96d04d3d27bd/CRP_Field.jpg Projects - Trait-based approaches to improve success of dryland restoration in the US Conservation Reserve Program - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/f10d5b68-65ef-4202-8688-34a0b76df3ea/Amy_2022_harvest.jpg Projects - Trait-based approaches to improve success of dryland restoration in the US Conservation Reserve Program - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://drylandecology.com/projects/soil-restoration-meta-analysis monthly 0.5 2025-06-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1623340973506-PQ7LWDS6W4YAIBMPTXHO/IMG_1176.JPG Projects - Dryland soil restoration meta-analysis - About the project Soil-based restoration techniques may be critical to improving restoration outcomes in degraded dryland systems where soil resources have been depleted. Currently, we are compiling a global database of published dryland soil restoration studies. The database will be used to evaluate methods and outcomes of soil-based restoration across dryland ecosystems via meta-analysis. https://drylandecology.com/projects/restorenet monthly 0.5 2025-06-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1617037692012-MBPDKW8RO6HD4PHB8U3E/unsplash-image-e5r7wPtSGG0.jpg Projects - RestoreNet: collaborative dryland restoration - Seed bed treatments boost recruitment success. Seed bed preparation treatments may be even more important that seed mix design in promoting native plant recruitment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1617037615808-8R7RFLYNSN1VDOFHNVTS/unsplash-image-ofaMFCphSwA.jpg Projects - RestoreNet: collaborative dryland restoration - Plant traits can help us design better seed mixes. Plant traits can be used to design seed mixes that increase restoration success across drylands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1617037717997-2X2VKOX3C12W2SN75ZNK/unsplash-image-Ttb95aRSTFs.jpg Projects - RestoreNet: collaborative dryland restoration - Seedling traits are dynamic across development. Seedling trait values that determine recruitment outcomes are not static, but change over time across ontogeny. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1616705229947-XA59PQATHG052XD5SUHS/20190514-132458.jpg Projects - RestoreNet: collaborative dryland restoration - About the project The RestoreNet project is a collaborative effort between scientists and land managers that systematically tests restoration techniques over broad ecological gradients in drylands of the western US. Our lab collaborates is part of the RestoreNet team and leads RestoreNet-Colorado in partnership with ranchers, state and federal agencies, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe, and CSU Agricultural Experimental Stations. RestoreNet will continue to expand and test new restoration treatments in coming years. Stay tuned for emerging research as the project grows! https://drylandecology.com/projects/biocrust-ecology monthly 0.5 2025-06-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1623770543693-YTBVVNJNXRJUYH433N5L/Biocrust_RS.png Projects - Biocrust ecology & remote sensing - Technology offers new & effective methods. Low-cost, high resolution drone imagery can successfully be used to detect and classify different types of biocrust communities and improve inclusion of biocrusts in models of dryland ecosystem processes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1623770501955-Y4U7DTBW3RU2KN1TD8WT/BOGR_in_crack.png Projects - Biocrust ecology & remote sensing - Biocrusts and plant traits interact. Biocrust effects on plants vary depending on plant traits including functional traits and origin. In some contexts, biocrusts can pose barriers to exotic plant recruitment. Seed traits can predict the effects of biocrusts on plant recruitment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1623770521383-9IEW7OJVN41B36SPRG8E/IMG_2915.jpg Projects - Biocrust ecology & remote sensing - Biocrusts can promote seeding success. Biocrust inoculation can increase native seedling recruitment and growth during dryland restoration projects. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/74cb7e5d-4b06-4766-9008-0178e6a2452c/biocrust_sage.jpg Projects - Biocrust ecology & remote sensing - About the project Biological soil crusts ("biocrusts") are microbial communities that dwell on the soil surface in drylands globally. Biocrusts support key ecosystem functions including soil stability, nutrient cycling, and water availability. We investigate the fundamental interactions between biocrusts and plant performance and other ecosystem functions. We are particularly interested in: understanding how biocrusts interact with plant recruitment and performance, mapping biocrusts with remote sensing to understand biocrust roles in landscape ecology and hydrology, and incorporating biocrusts into dryland restoration efforts. https://drylandecology.com/projects/category/Past monthly 0.5 https://drylandecology.com/projects/category/Current monthly 0.5 https://drylandecology.com/projects/tag/soil+restoration monthly 0.5 https://drylandecology.com/projects/tag/arid monthly 0.5 https://drylandecology.com/projects/tag/meta-analysis monthly 0.5 https://drylandecology.com/projects/tag/drylands monthly 0.5 https://drylandecology.com/projects/tag/ecovoltaics monthly 0.5 https://drylandecology.com/projects/tag/restoration monthly 0.5 https://drylandecology.com/publications-list daily 0.75 2024-11-11 https://drylandecology.com/publications-list/morphological-seed-traits-structure-relationships-between-biocrusts-and-plant-emergence monthly 0.5 2025-06-17 https://drylandecology.com/publications-list/soil-cover-heterogeneity-associated-with-biocrusts-predicts-patch-level-plant-diversity-patterns monthly 0.5 2025-06-17 https://drylandecology.com/publications-list/plant-and-soil-microbial-composition-legacies-following-indaziflam-herbicide-treatment monthly 0.5 2025-06-17 https://drylandecology.com/publications-list/divergent-climate-impacts-on-c3-versus-c4-grasses-imply-widespread-21st-century-shifts-in-grassland-functional-composition monthly 0.5 2023-07-06 https://drylandecology.com/publications-list/soil-restoration-increases-soil-health-across-global-drylands-a-meta-analysis monthly 0.5 2024-02-27 https://drylandecology.com/publications-list/soil-surface-treatments-and-precipitation-timing-determine-seedling-development-across-southwestern-us-restoration-sites monthly 0.5 2023-07-06 https://drylandecology.com/publications-list/directional-selection-shifts-trait-distributions-of-planted-species-in-dryland-restoration monthly 0.5 2023-07-06 https://drylandecology.com/publications-list/ontogenetic-trait-shifts monthly 0.5 2021-08-08 https://drylandecology.com/publications-list/ultra-high-resolution-mapping-of-biocrusts-with-unmanned-aerial-systems monthly 0.5 2023-07-06 https://drylandecology.com/publications-list/the-pervasive-and-multifaceted-influence-of-biocrusts-on-water-in-the-worlds-drylands monthly 0.5 2021-07-10 https://drylandecology.com/publications-list/restorenet-an-emerging-restoration-network-reveals-controls-on-seeding-success-across-dryland-ecosystems monthly 0.5 2021-11-08 https://drylandecology.com/publications-list/towards-a-predictive-framework-for-biocrust-mediation-of-plant-performance-a-meta-analysis monthly 0.5 2021-06-21 https://drylandecology.com/publications-list/biocrusts-and-their-disturbance-mediate-the-recruitment-of-native-and-exotic-grasses-from-a-hot-desert-ecosystem monthly 0.5 2021-06-21 https://drylandecology.com/publications-list/category/RestoreNet monthly 0.5 https://drylandecology.com/publications-list/category/Weed+Management monthly 0.5 https://drylandecology.com/publications-list/category/Climate+change monthly 0.5 https://drylandecology.com/publications-list/category/Soil+Ecology monthly 0.5 https://drylandecology.com/publications-list/category/Biocrust+ecology monthly 0.5 https://drylandecology.com/publications-list/category/Plant+Ecology monthly 0.5 https://drylandecology.com/publications-list/tag/Biocrust+Ecology monthly 0.5 https://drylandecology.com/join-the-lab daily 0.75 2024-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1622472319107-S3NHBMK55REW9SBWJRU9/unsplash-image-Z8JvqbNfgew.jpg Join the Lab https://drylandecology.com/past-lab-members daily 0.75 2024-06-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/29b29307-1e95-4a64-86da-34036770b0a4/Louisa%2BPhoto.jpg Past lab members - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/e0c5d2f2-a5c2-40ca-8fcc-e07e0d27d21c/Bacovcin_pic.jpg Past lab members - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/5044a653-820e-4082-aa2f-f97e3a148c52/Jessie_Fagan.jpg Past lab members - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/605b7afc650911061755a049/1704d6e1-de7d-42cb-a07a-2299772409b6/Emma.jpg Past lab members - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://drylandecology.com/past-research daily 0.75 2021-05-19