Jul 1, 2023

S1 E8: Maple Syrup Day with Mount Rainier Institute and the UW Bigleaf Maple Syrup Program

A student collects maple sap in Pack Forest

Episode 8 features the Mount Rainier Institute (MRI), an education program at located at the foot of Mount Rainier providing regional schools with in-depth programs focused on forest science and STEM education in an outdoor classroom setting. MRI operates out of the Charles Lathrop Pack Experimental Forest, part of the UW School of Environment and Forest Sciences, which encompasses 4,300 acres of working forestland providing the resources to discover, teach and demonstrate the concepts of sustainable forestry.

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 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.

Four students from UW Environment honored in 2023 Husky 100

Congratulations to four College of the Environment students recognized in the 2023 Husky 100! The Husky 100 actively connect what happens inside and outside of the classroom and apply what they learn to make a difference on campus, in their communities and for the future. Through their passion, leadership and commitment, these students inspire all of us to shape our own Husky Experience.