Vegetation
Seed Masting Across Decades and Geography
Research conducted over decades can reveal patterns not visible in short-term studies, and research networks allow for comparisons across large geographic areas and a range of ecosystems. When both approaches are combined, opportunities arise to address ecological questions with conservation and management implications.
Andrews Forest Monthly Meeting December 2024
Event Date:
Friday, December 6, 2024
Event Brief Description:
Andrews Forest Monthly Meeting: Friday, December 6, 9-11 AM
Presentations:
- “Multi-scale impacts of extreme heat on trees and forests of the Pacific Northwest: the 2021 Heat Dome.” presented by Chris Still, Professor, Forest Ecosystems and Society, OSU
- “The forest of fire and rain: in praise of an underappreciated forest ecosystem.” Presented by M.L. (Peg) Herring, emerita professor science communication, CAS, OSU.
After our presentations, at 10 AM, we will move into our community meeting, which includes updates on graduate student activities, site, WNF, community, education, new faces, and recent publications.
FSL Room 20. NOTE ROOM CHANGE. this monthly only.
Our meetings follow the academic year. Upcoming meetings: Dec 6 (FSL Room 20), Jan 10 (Peavy 315), Feb 7, Mar 7, April 4, May 2, June 6.
Andrews Forest Monthly Meeting April 2024
Event Date:
Friday, April 5, 2024
Event Brief Description:
Andrews Forest Monthly Meeting: Friday, April 5, 9-11 AM
Presentations:
- "Federal Regulations and Archeological Resources: Best Practices for Conducting Research in the H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest" presented by Steven Highland, Heritage Program Manager (Forest Archeologist) and Tribal Liaison, Willamette National Forest
- "New Fire and Forest Development Histories in Moist Douglas-fir Forests" presented by Andrew Merschel, ORISE Postdoctoral Scholar with USFS PNW Research Station.
- Graduate student lightning talk: "The Influence of Network Contraction and Expansion on Dissolved Oxygen Synchrony" presented by Jasmine Krause, Ph.D. candidate, Water Resources Science, OSU
After our presentations, at 10 AM, we will move into our community meeting, which includes updates on graduate student activities, site, WNF, community, education, new faces, and recent publications.
PFSC 315. Contact Lina DiGregorio for Zoom link.
Our meetings follow the academic year. Upcoming meetings: April 5 (Peavy 315), May 3 (Peavy 315), and June 7 (Peavy 315).
Seeking Research Assistants in Forest Ecology Summer 2024
News Brief Description:
Seeking Research Assistants in Forest Ecology – Temperate old-growth forest dynamics
Position Overview: The LaManna lab in the Department of Biological Sciences at Marquette University is currently looking to hire 3 enthusiastic research technicians with experience in forest-survey techniques and/or Pacific Northwest tree and plant identification skills to address questions related to the maintenance of plant species diversity in old-growth forests along a 1,000 m elevational gradient in the Western Cascade Mountains of Oregon. The work will occur at the H. J. Andrews Experimental Forest (https://andrewsforest.oregonstate.edu/), an NSF Long-tern Ecological Research (LTER) site that is located roughly 45 minutes east of Eugene, Oregon. The area is known for its recreational opportunities including hiking and backpacking, scenic volcanoes, and the Three Sisters Wilderness Area. Pay will be commensurate with experience, and apartment-style housing at the H. J. Andrews Forest field station will be provided. Anticipated start date is 6/3/2024.
Duties and Responsibilities: Mapping, measuring, and identifying trees, plants, seedlings and other forest ecology techniques. Assessment of tree health and/or causes of tree mortality. Using GPS, laser rangefinders, and other forest survey equipment. Work outside in a beautiful location.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Must have a university degree in appropriate area of biology. Previous experience working in an outdoor setting, measuring ecological processes and patterns. Enthusiasm is a must.
Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Experience identifying trees and herbaceous plants of the Pacific Northwest would be preferred, but is not required.
Application Instructions: All applications for this position must be received through Marquette University’s electronic recruiting system (https://employment.marquette.edu/postings/20840). Please attach a cover letter and resume, as well as the names and contact information for at least two professional references. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until all positions are filled. Please apply as soon as possible, and email Dr. Joe LaManna with any questions. Thank you!
Taking the Pulse of Trees
How do you take the pulse of a tree? High-precision dendrometer bands like the ones pictured here can measure daily fluctuations in water balance of a tree bole, in addition to its seasonal growth. The summer drought experienced by trees at the Andrews Forest is one of many stressors that has been increasing over time with climate change. While the tree species that have thrived in this landscape for millennia are adapted to wet winters and dry summers, prolonged drought combined with heat waves can stress even the drought-tolerant Douglas fir trees and lead to early shut down of stem gr
Fire and Forest Change
The Lookout Fire and initial forest responses may be the current prime example of climate change impacts in the Andrews Forest, as anticipated more than 30 years ago.
Trees and Ecotones
An ecotone is an area of transition between ecological communities. Todd Lookingbill, a professor of geography at the University of Richmond, has been studying the ecotone between western hemlock and true fir forests in Oregon’s Cascade mountains for more than 20 years. Since first mapping all trees in five large plots distributed from Lookout to Carpenter ridges within the HJ Andrews Experimental Forest in 2002, Todd and his student research teams have been returning regularly to remap tree seedlings and monitor vegetation dynamics.
Long-Term Vegetation Plots
Studying forest dynamics takes decades, even centuries. The western Cascade Mountains of Oregon, including the H. J. Andrews Experimental Forest, harbor centuries-old stands of old-growth forests, which are known for their high biomass, complex structure, and multi-layered forest canopies. In 1971, scientists established multiple permanent sample plots across the H. J. Andrews Experimental Forest and elsewhere in the region, largely to study old-growth forest ecosystems. Scientists continue to visit the plots every year.
Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) in vegetation studies
News Brief Description:
Seeking an undergraduate student to contribute to a National Science Foundation (NSF) Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) project addressing how forest species interactions influence plant regeneration following wildfire. This student will assist with understory vegetation resurveys involving seedlings of canopy trees and herbaceous plants in recently burned old-growth forests. In addition, this student will develop independent research related to the distribution and performance of nitrogen fixing Ceanothus sanguineus, which is of particular interest for its ability to influence nitrogen pools and canopy seedling survival rates. This student will have opportunities to present results of their summer research and will be co-mentored by Dr. Joe LaManna and PhD student Cole Doolittle (Marquette University).
This NSF-funded Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) internship provides an undergraduate student an opportunity to participate in 10 weeks of a mentored, paid, research experience. The internship is full-time (40 hours/week), for 10 weeks roughly from June-August 2022. The work will occur at the H. J. Andrews Experimental Forest (HJA) (https://andrewsforest.oregonstate.edu/), which is located approximately one hour east of Eugene, Oregon, in the beautiful Western Cascade range. The area is known for its recreational opportunities including hiking and backpacking, scenic volcanoes, and the Three Sisters Wilderness Area. Students will be provided with a stipend of $5,500 and apartment-style, shared-room housing at the HJA field station. There are funds to defray the cost of traveling to the HJA . Please note that the REU program is considered an educational program rather than employment; therefore, Oregon State University does not provide worker’s compensation insurance coverage nor medical insurance on your behalf. The student intern will be responsible for their own health insurance coverage.
Applicants should have a valid driver’s license, the ability to carry a heavy pack (40+ lb) for moderate distances (5+ mi) over uneven, mountainous terrain, and be comfortable spending long days on their feet in the field. The position will involve working in inclement weather. Being a team player is necessary for group work/living situation. Ability to adapt to a variable work schedule is also necessary. Eligibility is limited to currently enrolled undergraduates that have a graduation date no sooner than fall 2023 (no graduating seniors). All applicants must be U.S. Citizens or permanent residents. Students from traditionally underrepresented groups in science are strongly encouraged to apply.
To apply, please send: 1) a cover letter outlining your interest and relevant experience, 2) CV, and 3) contact information for three professional references to: Cole Doolittle with the subject line “LTER REU Application”. Review of applications will begin on March 20th, 2023 but applications will be considered until the position is filled.