Diet comparison of invasive bull frogs
We studied whether bullfrogs eating large amounts of crayfish showed a reduction in the number of native species they consumed.
Characterization and causes of soil compaction
Soil compaction increases runoff and erosion. Students characterized and studied the cause of soil compaction at multiple sites.
Newt species identification
Morales et al 2018: Identification of newt species is a challenge for field biologists.
Variation in arthropod diversity in aquatic habitats
We used pitfall traps to study arthropod diversity on three pond edge habitats at the Colusa National Wildlife Refuge. The greatest arthropod diversity was found in Tule habitat.
Impact of invasive species on the western pond turtle
To determine whether or not invasive turtles are a threat to our native species, we compared abundance of red-eared sliders and western pond turtles at three different locations: Turtle Pond on the SSU campus, Mountain Lake in San Francisco, and Roberts Lake in Rohnert Park.
Weathering and landslide susceptibility in the Copeland Creek watershed
The upper watershed of Copeland Creek is known for its landslides, slumps and debris flows. We evaluated sites on SSU Fairfield Osborn Preserve to determine how slope stability is correlated with rock type, and degree of weathering and vegetation.
Winery wastewater treatment
Development of a pilot-scale microbial fuel cell system for treating wastewater from wine production
Mitigating trail erosion at the Osborn Preserve
Use of hiking trails can increase erosion, soil compaction, and transmission of Sudden Oak Death pathogen, Phytophthora ramorum, from surface runoff. We conducted a survey to identify sections of trail at the Fairfield Osborn Preserve (upper Copeland Creek watershed) with excessive erosion.
Evaluation of restoration at Salmon Creek estuary
Cardinale et al 2017: We surveyed vegetation in Salmon Creek to determine the impact of invasive species affect the ecosystem.
Spread of Sudden Oak Death in the Copeland Creek Watershed
We found that Sudden Oak Death occurs in bay laurel and European sweet bay trees on SSU campus but that symptomatic leaves are lower on campus than at the Fairfield Osborn Preserve.