After nearly seven years with the Conservation Research Center (CRC), I’ve learned that the most rewarding accomplishments often come from surprising places. While analysis and data collection are central to research, some of my most meaningful days come from congratulating a seasonal technician on their new full-time position, talking with a collaborator about the value of our pika data, or monitoring songbird nests with an innercity student who never knew she could be a wildlife biologist.As I reflect on the research program, I could not be more proud. Thanks to dedicated technicians, incredible full-time CRC staff and outstanding partners, we’ve achieved great things on behalf of wildlife.
- Mule deer research- Collected over 15,000 GPS locations that will help guide future transportation planning and road-kill reduction efforts in Teton County.
- Pika research- Surveyed 242 talus sites on the Bridger-Teton National Forest to better understand the effects of climate change on pika habitat selection.
- Avian research- Banded more than 10,000 birds; monitored over 400 migratory songbird nests to support local conservation planning, regional species management and international migration models.
- Moose research- Launched a new partnership initiative to understand the effects of climate change and carotid artery worms on moose populations.
Over the past five years the research program has secured more than $1 million in research funding to support these projects, most (83%) from competitive grants.
In August, I will start a PhD program at the University of Wyoming. I am excited for the future of the research program, and for the wildlife that will benefit. I am honored to have worked alongside some of the best biologists, technicians, resource professionals and educators in the business. Thank you for a wonderful seven years. Here’s to a very bright future.
