Jun 2, 2023

S1 E5: Predator Ecology with Aaron Wirsing

A hand in a black glove in the snow next to a paw print left by a wolf.

Ecologist Aaron Wirsing discusses his research in both terrestrial and aquatic systems, the ways that top predators, such as grey wolves and tiger sharks, shape their ecosystems and how humans affect predator-prey interactions through processes such as urbanization and climate change. Wirsing is a professor with the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences studying predator-prey interactions. He is also Principal Investigator of the Predator Ecology Lab, which seeks to better understand how predators influence their surroundings by interacting with their prey, and endeavors to find solutions to the challenges of large carnivore conservation and management in the changing world.

May 25, 2023

S1 E4: Ecosystem Engineers with Laura Prugh

Laura Prugh, an associate professor of Quantitative Wildlife Sciences with the School of Environmental and Forest Sciences, shares about her pursuit to understand connections in the environment. On this episode of FieldSound, Prugh’s work with the critically endangered Kangaroo Rats is highlighted. Known as the “ecosystem engineers” of the Carrizo Plain National Monument in Southern California, Kangaroo Rats play a crucial, complex role in their environment.

May 25, 2023

College of the Environment

Corey Garza to serve as Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Corey Garza has agreed to serve as the UW College of the Environment’s Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, effective September 1. In this role he will work closely with Dean Maya Tolstoy, College leadership, faculty, postdocs, staff, students and other community members to integrate an equity and justice lens into the College’s work, and advance our shared vision that excellent science, teaching and scholarship can only be achieved in a community which is inclusive and supportive of people of all backgrounds and identities.

May 21, 2023

Spring Celebration honors 2022-23 UW Environment award winners

Join us for an afternoon of games, food and merriment as we celebrate our outstanding College community! All College faculty, staff, students, postdocs and their guests are invited to attend. UW College of the Environment Spring Celebration Thursday, May 25, 2023, 2:30 – 4 pm Fishery Sciences Building (FSH), 1122 NE Boat Street We also celebrate the College of the Environment award recipients at the 2023 Spring Celebration.

May 18, 2023

Ecology

Out of the frying pan: Coyotes, bobcats move into human-inhabited areas to avoid apex predators — only to be killed by people

Since their protection under the Endangered Species Act, wolf populations have been making a comeback in the continental United States. Conservationists have argued that the presence of wolves and other apex predators, so named because they have no known predators aside from people, can help keep smaller predator species in check. New research shows that in Washington state, the presence of two apex predators — wolves and cougars — does indeed help keep populations of two smaller predators in check.