Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Where we WERC

Our scientists conduct studies from the deserts of the Mojave to the diverse ecosystems of the Great Basin

Field Stations

Why we WERC

Scientist releases a golden eagle wearing a GPS backpack

Mission Statement

Our Scientists at WERC

Ecologists collecting field samples to detect contaminants in the environment

Research Scientists

How we WERC

Scientists use a variety of survey methods in the field

Data & Tools

Explore our WERC

Join us as we discover the secrets of the natural world

Outreach

Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

The Western Ecological Research Center (WERC) is a USGS Ecosystems Mission Area operation serving primarily California and Nevada. WERC scientists work closely with Federal, State, academic, and other collaborators to address a diverse array of high-profile topics. Topics include research on effects of wildfire, sea level rise, drought, energy development and more on federal Trust species.

Research Scientists

WERC USGS hat in Santa Cruz
WERC science is driven forward by our scientists and staff.
Research Scientists

WERC Quick Links

Check out our most up-to-date data, events and science.

News

link

Oh Christmas Tree: The Science of Conifer Trees

link

Research Spotlight: New Study Identifies Effective Under-Road Passage Designs for California Tiger Salamanders

link

Wildfire Smoke Disrupts Bird Migration in the West

View All

Publications

Distribution and abundance of Least Bell’s Vireos (<i>Vireo bellii pusillus</i>) and Southwestern Willow Flycatchers (Empidonax traillii extimus) at the Mojave River Dam, San Bernardino County, California—2021 Data summary

Executive SummaryWe surveyed for Least Bell’s Vireos (Vireo bellii pusillus; vireo) and Southwestern Willow Flycatchers (Empidonax traillii extimus; flycatcher) at the Mojave River Dam study area near Hesperia, California, in 2021. Four vireo surveys were conducted between April 16 and July 16, 2021, and three flycatcher surveys were conducted between May 27 and July 16, 2021.We detected four terr
By
Ecosystems, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Distribution and abundance of Least Bell’s Vireos (<i>Vireo bellii pusillus</i>) and Southwestern Willow Flycatchers (<i>Empidonax traillii extimus</i>) at the San Antonio Dam, Los Angeles and San Bernardino Counties, California—2021 Data summary

Executive SummaryWe surveyed for Least Bell’s Vireos (Vireo bellii pusillus; vireo) and Southwestern Willow Flycatchers (Empidonax traillii extimus; flycatcher) at the San Antonio Dam near Upland, California, in 2021. Four vireo surveys were conducted between April 16 and July 15, 2021, and three flycatcher surveys were conducted between May 27 and July 15, 2021.We detected one transient vireo and
By
Ecosystems, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)

Distribution and abundance of Least Bell’s Vireos (<i>Vireo bellii pusillus</i>) and Southwestern Willow Flycatchers (<i>Empidonax traillii extimus</i>) on the Middle San Luis Rey River, San Diego County, southern California—2021 Data summary

Executive SummaryWe surveyed for Least Bell’s Vireos (Vireo bellii pusillus; vireo) and Southwestern Willow Flycatchers (Empidonax traillii extimus; flycatcher) along the San Luis Rey River, between College Boulevard in Oceanside and Interstate 15 in Fallbrook, California (middle San Luis Rey River), in 2021. Surveys were conducted from April 13 to July 14 (vireo) and from May 18 to July 13 (flyca
By
Ecosystems, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)
View All

Science

link
Pacific pocket mouse

Pacific Pocket Mouse Monitoring and Research Program

Once thought to be extinct, the Pacific pocket mouse (Perognathus longimembris pacificus) was rediscovered in 1993 and is currently found at three population sites along the southern California coast. USGS researchers and their partners developed a comprehensive long-term monitoring plan to assess the status and trends of Pacific pocket mouse and identify important drivers of population dynamics...
By
Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)
link

Pacific Pocket Mouse Monitoring and Research Program

Once thought to be extinct, the Pacific pocket mouse (Perognathus longimembris pacificus) was rediscovered in 1993 and is currently found at three population sites along the southern California coast. USGS researchers and their partners developed a comprehensive long-term monitoring plan to assess the status and trends of Pacific pocket mouse and identify important drivers of population dynamics...
Learn More
link
A Yosemite toad looks through a mesh fence, holding itself up on its back legs

Reptile and Amphibian Road Ecology

USGS is working with many partners to help reptiles, amphibians and other animals cross roads safely, improving access to essential habitat.
By
Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)
link

Reptile and Amphibian Road Ecology

USGS is working with many partners to help reptiles, amphibians and other animals cross roads safely, improving access to essential habitat.
Learn More
link
Yellowfin tuna swimming at the sea surface near, splashing as they break the surface

Palmyra Blue Water Research

In collaboration with The Nature Conservancy, the Seabird Studies Team at the USGS Western Ecological Research Center will track the at-sea movements of eight marine animal species at Palmyra Atoll with the goal of understanding the impact of the marine protected areas on species and ecosystems. The project is supported in part by The Nature Conservancy and the team of collaborating researchers...
By
Western Ecological Research Center (WERC)
link

Palmyra Blue Water Research

In collaboration with The Nature Conservancy, the Seabird Studies Team at the USGS Western Ecological Research Center will track the at-sea movements of eight marine animal species at Palmyra Atoll with the goal of understanding the impact of the marine protected areas on species and ecosystems. The project is supported in part by The Nature Conservancy and the team of collaborating researchers...
Learn More
View All