The North Rim Ranches provide an ideal ecological laboratory that helps us pilot restoration approaches, engage citizen scientists, and balance resource use with land conservation. We work with universities, agencies, and other members of our Research Stewardship Partnership to link volunteers with novel science and protect and restore this 830,000-acre landscape.
Cheatgrass is the uninvited guest of the West, spreading its seeds and out-competing native grasses. But it doesn't just overstay its welcome — this weed fuels wildfires and is the first to rebound after flames scorch the landscape.
Under the direction of researchers from the Agricultural Research Service and the University of Nevada-Reno, we are testing "greenstrips" as a way to weaken the fire-cheatgrass cycle. We are planting strips of native grasses as fuelbreaks on the North Rim Ranches. When data collection ends in 2019, we will have a better idea of techniques that keep cheatgrass at bay.
Different species of native grasses may be more/less effective at competing with cheatgrass.
Different seed coating techniques may enhance the water uptake capacity of native seeds.
Cattle chowing down cheatgrass at optimal times might reduce the populations of this pest.
noun : a network of 10 five-acre gardens planted at different elevations across northern Arizona
A changing climate means shifts in where and how native plants grow in the Southwest. To understand these shifts, the Trust is pairing up with scientists from Northern Arizona University and other partners on the Southwestern Experimental Garden Array project (SEGA).
Together, we are planting a network of experimental gardens across the North Rim Ranches at different elevations, ranging from low deserts to alpine forests.
By examining how the same plant species grow at different elevations, temperatures, and moisture levels, we'll get an idea of how climate change might affect individual plant species, plant communities, and ecosystems. This should help us identify which plants are most likely to survive and reproduce in a hotter, drier future.
Volunteers from Flagstaff High School help build fences for the SEGA project.
Volunteers help plant western white pines; install irrigation, and conduct vegetation surveys.
We're hosting four of the 10 SEGA sites in the following vegetation zones:
noun : the act or process of returning springs to healthy ecosystems
In a warming climate, water sources are even more important. We're working to restore springs on the ranches to reduce the effects of stresses like invasive species, and to balance the needs of livestock, people, and ecosystems.
Thanks to the support of our partners and many dedicated volunteers, we are removing invasives such as tamarisk, increasing wildlife access to water resources, and reducing the risk of ongoing erosion at these springs. Learn more about springs restoration, and join us in the field ›
Each restoration begins with a site evaluation, where we figure out how to work with nature to improve the health of the spring.
We get our hands dirty in the name of restoration! From reviving pools to removing invasive tamarisk trees, we make springs healthier.
Restoration is challenging, and we don't always get it right on our first shot. We check back and monitor our sites often to see how they're doing.
noun : open pathways for animals to freely move across landscapes to reach food, water, and migration routes
Animals need healthy habitat and that means landscapes that are connected, protected, and restored. Scientists and volunteers use motion-activated camera traps to learn where mountain lions, bighorn sheep, mule deer, and other animals roam. From fence removal to spring restoration, we reconnect animals to their homes. Read our 3-part blog series ›
noun: The act of watching, listening, and identifying species of birds and bats.
The Paria Plateau is best known for its colorful swirls of slick rock. It is remote, rugged, and richer in plant and animal life than meets the eye. We are working to determine what species of birds and bats live on the Paria Plateau in Vermilion Cliffs National Monument. Read a birder’s story about her field work for the Vermilion Cliffs National Monument Songbird Survey, and a Q&A with our bat research partner ›
Some good old-fashioned weed removal helps scientists understand what healthy forests look like.
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You have the opportunity to comment on how you think some of the most beautiful landscapes in Utah should be managed into the future.
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