Characterization and causes of soil compaction
Soil compaction increases runoff and erosion. Students characterized and studied the cause of soil compaction at multiple sites.
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.
Newt species identification
Morales et al 2018: Identification of newt species is a challenge for field biologists.
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.
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.
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.
Carbon budget for Corte Madera marsh
Tidal salt marshes are important carbon sequestration environments. We analyzed sediment gathered from three core samples at varying distances from a tidal channel to determine carbon accumulation for the past century.
Impacts of cattle grazing on grassland communities
Despite decreased vegetation height, thatch depth, and increased soil compaction, cattle grazing did not impact the observation rate of ground-dwelling grassland vertebrates.
Sustainability of Sonoma County wineries
These projects review the effects of wine-growing on water and other natural resources. Biodynamic agriculture and other sustainable practices are recommended for reducing environmental impacts. Ethical issues are explored.