Grass Valley, (February 5, 2020) – Dr. Jeremy James, will present the next Sierra Science Lecture; The Ecology and Management of Invasive Plant Species in California. Invasive plant species are an agent of and response to environmental change, driving major changes in ecosystem function and biological diversity across the globe. These impacts are particularly pronounced in climatically diverse biodiversity hotspots such as California. This talk focuses on exploring the major ecological drivers of plant invasions in California and the West, how these species alter ecosystem function and biodiversity and also explores the practical approaches and constraints to managing these species across large areas. These topics are highlighted through two case studies including plant invasions in high desert steppes and plant invasions in the Sierra foothills. Finally, we discuss research that evaluates how changes in climate may amplify and shift some of the ecological impacts of invasive plant species in California and the West.
The presentation will be held on Tuesday, February 11, from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m., in the Multipurpose Center, building N12-103, at the Nevada County Campus. Come early and enjoy a meet-and-greet and refreshments at 6:00 p.m.
About our Speaker
Dr. Jeremy James has served as Director of the University of California Sierra Foothill Research and Extension Center since 2012. His research program centers on understanding climate change impacts on California grasslands and how ranchers that use these systems for livestock production can adapt to these impacts. He also is involved in several national and international projects that are focused on understanding how to restore arid land systems following catastrophic fire or disturbance. Dr. James completed his doctoral work at the University of California Davis in 2004. Following this program and prior to his current position he served as a research scientist in eastern Oregon for the USDA Agricultural Research Service.
Upcoming Presentations
- March 10- Wildlife Research and Timber Management in the Sierra Nevada Foothills | Sarah Smayda (Wildlife Biologist, Sierra Pacific Industries)
- April 14- California Invasive Species: Mussels, Rodents, Snails, and Frogs – Oh My | Dr. Heather Perry (Env Scientist, Cal Dept Fish & Wildlife)
- May 12- Environmental Factors Affecting Juvenile Salmonid Growth | Dr. Robert Lusardi (UC Davis Center for Watershed Sciences)
The Sierra Science Lecture Series is presented by Sierra College Nevada County Campus and Sierra Streams Institute.
Location and Parking
The Nevada County Campus is located at 250 Sierra College Drive, Grass Valley, CA 95945. Talks are in the Multipurpose Center Building N-12. Parking is $3, and you can purchase permits at the kiosk machine at the main entrance to the campus. For more information, contact the series coordinator, Jason Giuliani, at jgiuliani@sierracollege.edu.
About Sierra College
Sierra College District is rising to meet the needs of our community. Sierra College serves 3200 square miles of Northern CA with campuses in Roseville, Rocklin, Grass Valley, and Truckee. With approximately 125 degree and certificate programs, Sierra College is ranked first in Northern California (Sacramento north) for transfers to four year universities, offers career/technical training, and classes for upgrading job skills. Sierra graduates can be found in businesses and industries throughout the region. More information at https://www.sierracollege.edu/.