by Kevin Berend | May 1, 2025 | Newsroom, Science From The Steps
Biological soil crusts (aka biocrusts are a thin surface layer composed of mosses, lichens, fungi, and cyanobacteria that grow on loose, dry soils worldwide (about 12% of land surface). An important ecological component of dryland ecosystems, biocrusts hold soil in...
by Kevin Berend | Feb 24, 2025 | Newsroom, Science From The Steps
Water and air do not adhere to lines drawn on a map. Plants and animals do not respect man-made boundaries, and often require much larger areas than we allow. As climate change continues to alter the behavior of wildlife and the function of ecosystems, connectivity...
by Kevin Berend | Jan 29, 2025 | Newsroom, Science From The Steps
In its ancient past, Mars is believed to have had a similar climate to Earth, even flowing water at one time. Recent rover expeditions have targeted areas where water flowed across the surface, in search of evidence of past life. Scientists hope that exploration of...
by Kevin Berend | Sep 9, 2024 | Newsroom, Science From The Steps
Fremont cottonwood (Populus fremontii) is a foundational species in riparian habitats of the southwestern United States. Tall and widespread, the trees and their yellow-green foliage provide structure and a range of ecological services: Wide canopies keep soil and...
by Kevin Berend | Aug 5, 2024 | Newsroom, Science From The Steps
Our nation’s public lands and other protected areas play a critical role in preserving natural habitats, communities, and biodiversity. Often these lands are located in geologically and ecologically important areas, or act as corridors that connect broader landscapes...
