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About the Presentation
Sagebrush steppe restoration remains a significant challenge in Jackson Hole and throughout the West. At Grand Teton National Park, efforts have been underway to remove smooth brome grass and invasive species from Antelope Flats and to plant native sage, wildflowers, and grasses to create a biodiverse habitat. Our presenters from the University of Wyoming will share the latest research on the importance of soil microbiota, including fungi and bacteria, as well as the role of plant traits—such as leaf area, seed production, and root mass—in supporting the growth of native species. This cutting-edge research may hold the key to optimizing restoration efforts and advancing our understanding of how to best restore sagebrush ecosystems.​
About the Presenters
Linda Van Dipen’s research at UW focuses on understanding the effects of disturbances (e.g. wildfire, invasive species, herbicide application, and grazing) on soil health and plant-microbe interactions and how they mutually control ecosystem processes. She has her Ph.D. in forest science at Michigan Technological University. Before joining UW in 2015, she was a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Michigan and at the University of New Hampshire.
Daniel Laughlin has taught courses in plant ecology, ecological modeling, plant physiological ecology, terrestrial ecosystem ecology, and restoration ecology for 25 years. He has studied the ecology and restoration of ecological communities around the world and has published several books on the subject.
Raised in northwest Wyoming, Dillon Romero is passionate about Wyoming landscapes and native plant conservation. After completion of his Master's degree at the van Diepen Soil Microbial Ecology Laboratory at the University of Wyoming, Dillon plans to continue working in the field of soil microbiology.
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