Grassland Fieldwork EcoAdventure

Grassland Fieldwork EcoAdventure is an incredible opportunity to contribute to a global research network, Disturbance and Resources Across Global Grasslands (DRAGNet). The aim of DRAGNet is to examine the effects and interactions that land disturbance and nutrient influx has on herbaceous plant communities. A team of 13 students, led by ESPS professor Dr. Chhaya Werner, visited the Sierra Foothills Research & Extension Center in May 2025 to aid in the data collection of this ongoing research project. Students spent two days at the field site familiarizing themselves with the experimental design, identifying plant species, taking soil samples, and collecting biomass. After data collection was complete, students had an opportunity to explore, fish, or unwind along the Yuba River before attending a potluck dinner with other visiting research crews. This gave students a chance to make connections with other researchers and discover common environmental interests. On the final day of the EcoAdventure, the group hiked through the North Table Mountain Ecological Reserve to see Phantom Falls, pointing out all of the plant species they recognized along the way. “I really enjoyed learning how to ID plant species with a dichotomous key,” one student recalled. “Being able to go out in the field with my peers was fun and gave me practical fieldwork experience.”
Kylie Cummings SOU Environmental Science Policy & Sustainability – 2025