The nanoscale revolution meets the forest
It’s an unfortunately all-too-common sight in early spring. Warming weather is suddenly interrupted by an unexpected freeze. In the cherry orchards of the northern United States, this could spell disaster for the new buds just poking out, killing the fruits before they even had a chance and leading to smaller harvests and economic losses for orchard owners…
#Science, #ForestProductsLaboratory
Lichen Collection and Identification
A lichenologist (Kerry Knudson in California) in the field using a hand-lens to identify a lichen. (Forest Service photo by Chris Wagner)
CollectionTo collect lichens, first you must obtain permission to collect them from the landowner. Then it is on to collecting your specimens. It is not as…
#Lichens, #CelebratingWildflowers, #Plants, #Biology, #Science, #Vegetation
Lichens
Pleopsidium flavum. (Photo by Larry St. Clair)
Lichens are interesting organisms. They are diverse, adaptable, functional, and little understood. They play an important role in our natural ecosystems and can let us know when those ecosystems are in trouble. Lichens are beautiful, especially…
#Lichens, #CelebratingWildflowers, #Plants, #Biology, #Science, #Ecosystems, #Learning
Lichens - Did You Know?
Lichens have been used for many things by both animals and humans. They provide forage, shelter, and building materials for elk, deer, birds, and insects. In fact, some insects have adapted their appearance to look like lichens, which are a large part of their habitat. Some insects change their appearance through evolution while others simply use lichens as a disguise…
#Lichens, #CelebratingWildflowers, #Plants, #Biology, #Science
Hidden in plain sight: Turning data into action
Emergency services on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska, serve communities dispersed across mountainous and wilderness terrain, so proactive wildfire hazard mitigation and evacuation planning are key to community preparedness. (Forest Service photo by Bradley Gordon)
In fire-prone communities…
#EmergencyPreparedness, #RuralCommunities, #FireAdaptedCommunities, #FirePreparedness, #Partners, #Partnerships, #FireScience, #Science
National Stream & Aquatic Ecology Center - Bedload Traps
Bedload Traps
Bedload traps in a stream (Forest Service photo)
Between 1997 and 2015, the National Stream and Aquatic Ecology Center collaborated with Colorado State University scientists in collecting detailed bedload samples for 14 studies on national forests in Colorado, Wyoming, and Oregon. This unique…