Field Ecology on Mount St. Helens
Schools or Programs: Biological Sciences, Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences (IAS), Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM)
Location(s): UW Bothell
Quarter(s): Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter
Includes the quarter to apply or participate.
Hours per Week: 1hr - 3hrs
Estimated weekly effort
Compensation: No compensation or volunteer position
We are studying plant succession on Mount St. Helens (Washington) since the 1980 volcanic eruption. By examining patterns of species abundance through time and matching important ecological traits, we hope to understand how ecosystems recover from major disturbance events.
Student Responsibilities
- Lab work: process plant and soil samples, analyze field data and field pictures, literature review
- Fieldwork (occurs in the summertime): collect plant and soil samples, build experimental shade cloth shelters, map plants, take digital pictures of plant communities, measure plant traits, assess plant species abundance
Other notes
Requires camping and the ability to hike a lot and work outdoors in potentially inclement weather. Includes some summer commitment.