southwest experimental garden array (sega) · garden array (sega) promoting research on climate...
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Southwest Experimental Garden Array (SEGA)
Promoting research on climate change with emphasis on gene by environment interactions and mitigation of
impacts
A.V. WhippleDepartment of Biological Sciences and Merriam-Powell Center of Environmental
Research, Northern Arizona University
http://www.sega.nau.edu/
All Sites:• High quality weather station• Wisard‐based soil moisture and temperature• Phenocam• Site server • Water tank, pump, etc• Fence
Other Equipment:• Field gear, tools• On campus data servers• Plant physiology equipment• Ecosystem instrumentation• Molecular genetics laboratory
Additional site data:
• Phenocams
• Water chemistry
• Soil profiles
• Plant composition
• Ground dwelling beetle survey
Soil Profile Characterization by NRCS
Projects at SEGA• At least 4 Macrosystems Biology grants using the sites and equipment
• Multi‐garden plantings to surveys to climate data use
• Trees to grasses to lizards
• NAU to Max Plank
Managed Relocation for Climate Change Mitigation
Hope to work with q new NSF‐funded effort led by PI Marissa Basket at UC Davis:
‘A framework for species conservation by managed relocation: quantifying risks, uncertainties, and alternatives.’
Whitham GroupQuantification of Performance of SourcesAcross Environments
Overlapping interests with managers:
• Invasive species• Native grass• Rare species• Ponderosa and fire• Food for wildlife, prairie dogs, golden eagles
• Climate‐vegetation relationships
Outreach and Education Opportunities
“The highlight of the whole trip was
interacting with young dedicated scientists"
“I’ve never been this close to a research project before. I’m impressed by the rigor and
the discipline that the scientists are bringing to this
effort.”
• Direct engagement with land managers
• Arboretum kiosks and educational materials
• Volunteer trips and high school involvement
• Online weather and phenocams
Research Partnerships with Tribal CollegesFunding has resulted in the establishment of a weather station and common garden with automated watering