Fellow Project: Playa Ecosystem Vulnerability in Future Climates--Taking Science to Stakeholders in the Great Plains
Learn about the research of Rachel Owen, a 2018 Science to Action Fellow.
Fellow Information
- Rachel Owen, University of Missouri-Columbia
- Fellowship: 2018 Science to Action Fellow
- Mentor: Shawn Carter, National CASC
Project Summary
Playas are shallow, rain-fed wetlands found throughout the Great Plains. When wet, playas provide crucial habitat for many wildlife species that depend on water to survive. When dry, playas also support several other Great Plains wildlife species because they are often the only natural lands in a region dominated by agricultural production. Playas also recharge water to the underlying aquifer, filter nutrients and chemicals from the surrounding watershed, and add recreational value to the region. While several conservation incentive programs are offered for landowners, playas are continually being degraded and converted to other land uses. Climate change poses an additional threat to the already vulnerable playa ecosystems. In an effort to assist existing outreach efforts in the Great Plains, the objective of this project is to develop educational materials and plan field visits in the playa region to describe playa sensitivities to climate change and suggest conservation efforts that may help to lessen further degradation.
Products
Learn about the research of Rachel Owen, a 2018 Science to Action Fellow.
Fellow Information
- Rachel Owen, University of Missouri-Columbia
- Fellowship: 2018 Science to Action Fellow
- Mentor: Shawn Carter, National CASC
Project Summary
Playas are shallow, rain-fed wetlands found throughout the Great Plains. When wet, playas provide crucial habitat for many wildlife species that depend on water to survive. When dry, playas also support several other Great Plains wildlife species because they are often the only natural lands in a region dominated by agricultural production. Playas also recharge water to the underlying aquifer, filter nutrients and chemicals from the surrounding watershed, and add recreational value to the region. While several conservation incentive programs are offered for landowners, playas are continually being degraded and converted to other land uses. Climate change poses an additional threat to the already vulnerable playa ecosystems. In an effort to assist existing outreach efforts in the Great Plains, the objective of this project is to develop educational materials and plan field visits in the playa region to describe playa sensitivities to climate change and suggest conservation efforts that may help to lessen further degradation.