Science on Tap ~ March 1

February 20, 2017

You're invited to the next Science on Tap presenation ~ March 1.

"Crown Ecology in Tall Sitka Spruce Trees"

by Dr. Lucy Kerhoulas
HSU Department of Forestry & Wildland Resources

I will discuss some of the physiological complications associated with being a tall tree and some of the surprising ways that using crown water sources high above the forest floor can minimize these complications. I will also describe some of the epiphytic communities that occupy these old-growth canopies. Furthermore, although epiphytes and their host trees epitomize commensalism, the historical view of this relationship has ranged from semi-parasitic to mutualistic. It is well documented that canopy epiphytes can increase nutrient availability to host trees and the ecosystem as a whole, but there is relatively little known about how these interspecific interactions influence host tree physiology. I will discuss some of our recent findings on the potential influences of epiphytes and crown water sources on host tree water status and physiology in tall (> 85 m) Sitka spruce trees at the Redwood Experimental Forest, Del Norte County.

Please join us next Wednesday, March 1, 6:00pm at Blondies 420 E California Ave Arcata, CA 95521,

Free and all ages welcome!
Delicious food and drink available for purchase!

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