Beyond ecology: Invasive species affect our culture and economy too

Swing, batter! On a residential street in Anywhere, U.S.A., a colony of invasive emerald ash borers swarms inconspicuously on the periphery. Their sights are set on a row of lush, mature ash trees that line the quiet street. These trees have seen their community through World War II and the Civil Rights Movement, but meeting the ash borers will mark their final stand. 

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Apply by April 17: College of the Environment Scholarships

Students applying their classroom skills in the field (photo: UW Archives)

Student scholarships offered through the College of the Environment for the 2015-2016 academic school year are now open! Most importantly, note that all scholarship application materials are due by Friday, April 17, 2015. Available scholarships include Clarence H. Campbell Endowed Lauren Donaldson Scholarship, College of the Environment Scholarship, Del Rio Environmental Studies Scholarship, Nancy Wilcox Scholarship, and the Yakama Nation Endowed Fund for Student Support. 

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A year later, UW geologist reflects on Oso and the need for better application of landslide science

View of Oso landslide from the air

Earth and Space Sciences’ David Montgomery is one of many University of Washington researchers who have been working to develop and analyze critical data in the aftermath of last year’s landslide in Oso. March 22, 2015 marked one year since the largest recorded landslide in U.S. history decimated a western Washington community and killed 43 people. In the wake of that disaster, Montgomery has some thoughts about how to make landslides less deadly. 

Read David's New York Times op-ed »

UW scientist leads multinational study on the future of Arctic marine mammals

Aquatic and Fishery Sciences’ Kristin Laidre and a team from across the globe just published their findings on what the future looks like for Arctic marine mammals, whose fragile habitats are shifting as a result of sea ice loss and warming temperatures. Their recent study, published in Conservation Biology, found that reductions in sea ice cover are “profound” and that the Arctic’s traditionally short, cool summers are growing longer in most regions by five to 10 weeks. 

Read more at UW Today »