Spring Quarter

Always Looking Forward: A Year in the College of the Environment

This talk offers a brief introduction to the College of the Environment’s new dean, an update on the state of the College, and some highlights of the exciting projects students and faculty have been working on over the last year.

See the Forest through the point clouds: Lidar applications for ecology.

The use of lidar has become a key tool in quantifying important ecological characteristics of forests. Landscape-level airborne lidar acquisitions initially allowed for a level of forest inventory previously impossible. Now with multiple repeat lidar acquisitions over large areas, we are able to model important elements of change such as increases or decreases in biomass and carbon sequestration. Such fine-scale characterizations of the forest allow for the identification of areas that are important for conservation. Where are the biggest trees? How are the trees doing?

Climate and wildfires in western North America: a case for proactive management

Much attention has been given to the rise of western wildfires under climate change. In this talk, we will explore what fuels wildfires in western North America  and proactive management strategies to mitigate their impacts to forests and communities. In addition to fire weather, topography and the combustible biomass of dead and living vegetation have large impacts on how wildfires start and contagiously spread.

Salish Sea Seaweeds: Safe to Eat?

Salish Sea seaweeds have been used as food, flavorings, medicine, and fishing gear since time immemorial. Today seaweeds are riding a tidal wave of interest. Spotlighted in the New York Times and chic restaurants, featured in chips, dips, and sips, “sea vegetables” are also being celebrated and revitalized as a traditional food by Tribes and First Nations, and Asian and Pacific Islander community members.

Ocean Rights: An emerging environmental ethic to transform ocean governance

When we listen to global negotiations on climate, biodiversity, fisheries and areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ), there is a missing voice: that of the Ocean. Even though a healthy Ocean is key in our collective response to achieving 30x30 and much more, a comprehensive and collective recognition of the Ocean’s inherent rights and intrinsic value is lacking. What would happen if, in all these fora, the extraordinary value of a healthy Ocean is recognized and the Ocean given a seat at the table? Could we address the silos and fragmentation?

CGE exploration of economic, environmental, and social changes to Hawaii Post-Covid 19

The Covid-19 crisis has provided Hawaii an opportunity to question the long-term viability of tourism as its major private sector economic driver. Since entering the global economy in the early 19th century Hawaii has gone through a series of booms and busts based on sandalwood, whaling trade, sugar, and now tourism.  However, over the past decade the number of tourists in Hawaii has been steadily increasing every year, but the revenue remains flat.  Simply the high rollers have found other playgrounds.

Mini-Forest Revolution: Rewilding our communities for Climate Resilience

What holds some 500 species, sequesters 500 lbs. CO2/year, is several degrees cooler than its surroundings, soaks up lots of rainwater, and is co-created by children and their elders in spaces no bigger than a tennis court? A “mini-forest” planted using the Miyawaki Method, of course! After a couple of years of as-needed weeding and watering, these nascent forests form a canopy and - like any other healthy ecosystem - become self-sufficient.

When is Conservation? Spirituality, Nature and Cultural Evolution in the 21st Century

The modern conservation movement was founded to counter large-scale degradation and loss of wildlife habitat and to preserve natural areas as a refuge from human development and the "ills of society." With the twin crises of climate change and growing social inequality, how can we re-envision a conservation movement for the 21st Century that helps heal not only the damage that has been done to the natural world, but also to our human communities. Conservation can be a framework for environmental, societal and spiritual reconciliation.

Forests in the age of big data: measuring and monitoring Canada’s forests from space

Canada’s forests represent about 9% of the world’s total forest area and, as a result, understanding and managing them have great ecological, economical, and cultural implications at both continental and global scales. As much of Canada’s forests lie in remote areas, measuring and monitoring them is challenging without earth observation data from sensors on airplanes and satellites.

Not fiery enough: Why the modern era of large wildfires in eastern Oregon and Washington actually needs more fire

Daniel Donato is a Natural Resource Scientist with the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Affiliate Assistant Professor at the University of Washington, School of Environmental and Forest Science. He conducts research and monitoring on disturbances and structural development of forests across Washington state. Daniel has been studying what he calls “mayhem in the forest” (fire, wind, bugs) in the Pacific Northwest and beyond for about 25 years.

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