Natalie K Day
Natalie is a Biologist with the Colorado Water Science Center (COWSC), Western Colorado Office, in Grand Junction, CO.
Natalie is a cross-disciplinary biologist working on the Colorado Plateau. She seeks to provide relevant information to land managers, policy makers, and the public. Some of her research interests include assessing the effects of land disturbance in drylands on regional hydrology, understanding controls on riverine algal blooms, and assessing long-term changes in streamflow and water quality. Natalie works to improve the sharing of information among different fields and conducts research that is collaborative and useful.
Professional Experience
Biologist, USGS-Colorado Water Science Center, Grand Junction, CO, Fall 2019-present
Biologist, USGS-Canyonland Research Station, Moab, UT, 2016-2019
Biological Field Technician, USGS-Canyonland Research Station, Moab, UT, 2010-2011
Research Assistant, Utah Water Research Lab/Utah State University Biogeochemistry Lab, Logan, UT, 2008-2010
Education and Certifications
Master of Science in Biogeochemistry, the University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY, 2015
Focus: Nitrogen cycling in headwater streams in Rocky Mountain National Park, CO
Advised by Robert O. Hall, Jr.Bachelor of Arts in Biology, Lewis & Clark College, Portland, OR, 2008
Focus: Aquatic biogeochemistry
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 13
Erosion rates and salinity and selenium yields in a basin near Rangely, Colorado following the 2017 Dead Dog wildfire as modeled by WEPP and measured from UAV Erosion rates and salinity and selenium yields in a basin near Rangely, Colorado following the 2017 Dead Dog wildfire as modeled by WEPP and measured from UAV
This data release accompanies a U.S Geological Survey study that assessed sediment, salinity, and selenium yields following the Dead Dog wildfire in northwestern Colorado. The Dead Dog fire ignited on June 11, 2017, near Rangely, Colorado, and burned over 17,000 acres, including the B2 study area. Two methodologies were used to quantify erosion and associated salinity and sediment yields...
Channel Characteristics, benthic algae, and water quality model data for selected sites in the upper White River Basin, Colorado, 2018-21 Channel Characteristics, benthic algae, and water quality model data for selected sites in the upper White River Basin, Colorado, 2018-21
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release provides benthic algae and stream channel characteristics data collected from 20 water-quality sites in the Upper White River Basin, Colorado., during 2018-2021. Also included are input and output data from streamflow and water-quality regression models used to characterize streamflow and water-quality conditions at 3 sites in the Upper...
Channel Characteristics, benthic algae, and water quality model data for selected sites in the upper White River Basin, Colorado, 2018-21 Channel Characteristics, benthic algae, and water quality model data for selected sites in the upper White River Basin, Colorado, 2018-21
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release provides benthic algae and stream channel characteristics data collected from 20 water-quality sites in the Upper White River Basin, Colorado., during 2018-2021. Also included are input and output data from streamflow and water-quality regression models used to characterize streamflow and water-quality conditions at 3 sites in the Upper...
Orthoimagery, digital elevation, digital terrain, final surface, and vegetation classification models for four stream catchments in western Colorado 2016 Orthoimagery, digital elevation, digital terrain, final surface, and vegetation classification models for four stream catchments in western Colorado 2016
Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) flights were conducted over four stream catchments in Rio Blanco County, Colorado, during the summer of 2016. Two sties had active oil and gas operations within the basin whereas the other two sites did not. Structure from motion (SfM) was used to align raw images and create a dense point cloud, georectified orthoimage, and Digital Elevation Model (DEM) for...
Input and output data from streamflow and water-quality regression models used to characterize streamflow and water-quality conditions in the Upper Yampa River Basin, Colorado, from 1992-2018 Input and output data from streamflow and water-quality regression models used to characterize streamflow and water-quality conditions in the Upper Yampa River Basin, Colorado, from 1992-2018
This dataset includes input and output data from streamflow and water-quality regression models used to characterize streamflow and water-quality conditions in the Upper Yampa River Basin, Colorado from 1999-2018. All input data, including discrete and continuous streamflows and discrete concentrations of suspended sediment, Kjeldahl nitrogen, and total phosphorus, were compiled from the...
Surrogate regression models for computation of time series suspended-sediment concentrations at Muddy Creek above Paonia Reservoir, Anthracite Creek above mouth near Somerset, and North Fork Gunnison below Raven Gulch near Somerset, Colorado Surrogate regression models for computation of time series suspended-sediment concentrations at Muddy Creek above Paonia Reservoir, Anthracite Creek above mouth near Somerset, and North Fork Gunnison below Raven Gulch near Somerset, Colorado
This model archive summary documents the surrogate regression model used to compute suspended-sediment concentrations at Muddy Creek above Paonia Reservoir, CO, USGS site number 385903107210800. The methods used follow U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) guidance as referenced in relevant Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum (TM) 2016.07 and Office of Water Quality TM 2016.10, and USGS
Filter Total Items: 17
Wildland fire effects on sediment, salinity, and selenium yields in a basin underlain by Cretaceous marine shales near Rangely, Colorado Wildland fire effects on sediment, salinity, and selenium yields in a basin underlain by Cretaceous marine shales near Rangely, Colorado
Understanding and quantifying soil erosion from rangelands is a high priority for land managers, especially in areas underlain by Cretaceous Mancos Shale, which is a natural source of sediment, salinity, and selenium to surface waters in many areas of western Colorado and eastern Utah. The purpose of this report is to present the results of a U.S. Geological Survey study that assessed...
Authors
Natalie K. Day, Todd M. Preston, Patrick C. Longley
Cultivating resilience in dryland soils: An assisted migration approach to biological soil crust restoration Cultivating resilience in dryland soils: An assisted migration approach to biological soil crust restoration
Land use practices and climate change have driven substantial soil degradation across global drylands, impacting ecosystem functions and human livelihoods. Biological soil crusts, a common feature of dryland ecosystems, are under extensive exploration for their potential to restore the stability and fertility of degraded soils through the development of inoculants. However, stressful...
Authors
Sierra Jech, Natalie K. Day, Nichole Barger, Anita Antoninka, Matthew A. Bowker, Sasha C. Reed, Colin L Tucker
Characterization of streamflow and nutrient occurrence in the upper White River Basin, Colorado, 1980–2020 Characterization of streamflow and nutrient occurrence in the upper White River Basin, Colorado, 1980–2020
In 2016, Colorado Parks and Wildlife identified filamentous algae collected from the main stem White River as Cladophora glomerata, a pervasive nuisance aquatic alga. Excessive levels of filamentous algae can compromise aesthetic quality, limit recreational activities, and have negative effects on aquatic life including strong fluctuations in dissolved oxygen levels and a reduction in...
Authors
Natalie K. Day
Potential factors controlling benthic algae in the upper White River Basin, Colorado, 2018–21 Potential factors controlling benthic algae in the upper White River Basin, Colorado, 2018–21
Nuisance levels of benthic algae are becoming increasingly common in surface waters of the western United States and can compromise aesthetic quality, limit recreational activities, block water infrastructure, and negatively affect aquatic life. In cooperation with the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts, the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Forum, and the Colorado...
Authors
Rachel G. Gidley, Natalie K. Day
Investigation of potential factors controlling benthic algae in the upper White River Basin, Colorado, 2018–21 Investigation of potential factors controlling benthic algae in the upper White River Basin, Colorado, 2018–21
Nuisance levels of benthic filamentous green algae are becoming increasingly common in surface waters of Colorado and the western United States. In 2018 the U.S. Geological Survey began a study in cooperation with the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts, Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Forum, and the Colorado River Water Conservation District to collect and analyze...
Authors
Natalie K. Day, Mark F. Henneberg
A review of current capabilities and science gaps in water supply data, modeling, and trends for water availability assessments in the Upper Colorado River Basin A review of current capabilities and science gaps in water supply data, modeling, and trends for water availability assessments in the Upper Colorado River Basin
The Colorado River is a critical water resource in the southwestern United States, supplying drinking water for 40 million people in the region and water for irrigation of 2.2 million hectares of land. Extended drought in the Upper Colorado River Basin (UCOL) and the prospect of a warmer climate in the future pose water availability challenges for those charged with managing the river...
Authors
Fred D. Tillman, Natalie K. Day, Matthew P. Miller, Olivia L. Miller, Christine Rumsey, Daniel Wise, Patrick C. Longley, Morgan C. McDonnell
Non-USGS Publications**
Jech, S.D., Dohrenwend, K., Day, N., Barger, N.N., Antoninka, A., Bowker, M.A., Reed, S., and Tucker, C., 2025, Developing biocrust field cultivation techniques for soil restoration: An assessment of bacterial communities: Applied Soil Ecology, v. 206, article 10586, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2024.105861.
Antoninka, A., Rowe, H., Weser, J., Langenfeld, D., Brady, J., Sprague, T., Day, N., 2024. Comparing greenhouse and field biocrust cultivation methods in the Sonoran Desert. Ecological Solutions and Evidence.
Jech, S.D., Day, N., Barger, N.N., Antoninka, A., Bowker, M.A., Reed, S., Tucker, C., 2023. Cultivating Resilience in Dryland Soils: An Assisted Migration Approach to Biological Soil Crust Restoration. Microorganisms Special Issue New Horizons in Terrestrial Cyanobacteria: Advancing Fundamental Understanding of Physiology, Ecology and Genomics.
Tillman, Fred D, Natalie K. Day, Matthew P. Miller, Olivia L. Miller, Christine A. Rumsey, Daniel R. Wise, Patrick C. Longley, and Morgan C. McDonnell. 2022. "A Review of Current Capabilities and Science Gaps in Water Supply Data, Modeling, and Trends for Water Availability Assessments in the Upper Colorado River Basin" Water 14, no. 23: 3813. https://doi.org/10.3390/w14233813
Sutfin, N.A., Wohl, E., Fegel, T., Day, N., Lynch, L., 2021. Logjams and Channel Morphology Influence Sediment Storage, Transformation of Organic Matter, and Carbon Storage Within Mountain Stream Corridors. Water resources research. v. 57(5), https://doi.org/10.1029/2020WR028046
Fick, S.E., Day, N., Duniway, M.C., Hoy‐Skubik, S. and Barger, N.N., 2019. Microsite enhancements for soil stabilization and rapid biocrust colonization in degraded drylands. Restoration Ecology.
Tucker, C., Antoninka, A., Day, N., Poff, B. and Reed, S., 2020. Biological soil crust salvage for dryland restoration: an opportunity for natural resource restoration. Restoration Ecology.
Amendments fail to hasten biocrust recovery or soil stability at a disturbed dryland sandy site
Day, N.K., Hall Jr, R.O. 2017. Ammonium uptake kinetics and nitrification in mountain streams. Freshwater Science v. 36.1, p. 41-54.
Day, N.K., Likens, G.E., Judd, K.E., 2006. Nitrogen cycling in streams: A comparison of the roles of debris dams and mosses. Institute of Ecosystem Studies.
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
Filter Total Items: 13
Erosion rates and salinity and selenium yields in a basin near Rangely, Colorado following the 2017 Dead Dog wildfire as modeled by WEPP and measured from UAV Erosion rates and salinity and selenium yields in a basin near Rangely, Colorado following the 2017 Dead Dog wildfire as modeled by WEPP and measured from UAV
This data release accompanies a U.S Geological Survey study that assessed sediment, salinity, and selenium yields following the Dead Dog wildfire in northwestern Colorado. The Dead Dog fire ignited on June 11, 2017, near Rangely, Colorado, and burned over 17,000 acres, including the B2 study area. Two methodologies were used to quantify erosion and associated salinity and sediment yields...
Channel Characteristics, benthic algae, and water quality model data for selected sites in the upper White River Basin, Colorado, 2018-21 Channel Characteristics, benthic algae, and water quality model data for selected sites in the upper White River Basin, Colorado, 2018-21
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release provides benthic algae and stream channel characteristics data collected from 20 water-quality sites in the Upper White River Basin, Colorado., during 2018-2021. Also included are input and output data from streamflow and water-quality regression models used to characterize streamflow and water-quality conditions at 3 sites in the Upper...
Channel Characteristics, benthic algae, and water quality model data for selected sites in the upper White River Basin, Colorado, 2018-21 Channel Characteristics, benthic algae, and water quality model data for selected sites in the upper White River Basin, Colorado, 2018-21
This U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) data release provides benthic algae and stream channel characteristics data collected from 20 water-quality sites in the Upper White River Basin, Colorado., during 2018-2021. Also included are input and output data from streamflow and water-quality regression models used to characterize streamflow and water-quality conditions at 3 sites in the Upper...
Orthoimagery, digital elevation, digital terrain, final surface, and vegetation classification models for four stream catchments in western Colorado 2016 Orthoimagery, digital elevation, digital terrain, final surface, and vegetation classification models for four stream catchments in western Colorado 2016
Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) flights were conducted over four stream catchments in Rio Blanco County, Colorado, during the summer of 2016. Two sties had active oil and gas operations within the basin whereas the other two sites did not. Structure from motion (SfM) was used to align raw images and create a dense point cloud, georectified orthoimage, and Digital Elevation Model (DEM) for...
Input and output data from streamflow and water-quality regression models used to characterize streamflow and water-quality conditions in the Upper Yampa River Basin, Colorado, from 1992-2018 Input and output data from streamflow and water-quality regression models used to characterize streamflow and water-quality conditions in the Upper Yampa River Basin, Colorado, from 1992-2018
This dataset includes input and output data from streamflow and water-quality regression models used to characterize streamflow and water-quality conditions in the Upper Yampa River Basin, Colorado from 1999-2018. All input data, including discrete and continuous streamflows and discrete concentrations of suspended sediment, Kjeldahl nitrogen, and total phosphorus, were compiled from the...
Surrogate regression models for computation of time series suspended-sediment concentrations at Muddy Creek above Paonia Reservoir, Anthracite Creek above mouth near Somerset, and North Fork Gunnison below Raven Gulch near Somerset, Colorado Surrogate regression models for computation of time series suspended-sediment concentrations at Muddy Creek above Paonia Reservoir, Anthracite Creek above mouth near Somerset, and North Fork Gunnison below Raven Gulch near Somerset, Colorado
This model archive summary documents the surrogate regression model used to compute suspended-sediment concentrations at Muddy Creek above Paonia Reservoir, CO, USGS site number 385903107210800. The methods used follow U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) guidance as referenced in relevant Office of Surface Water Technical Memorandum (TM) 2016.07 and Office of Water Quality TM 2016.10, and USGS
Filter Total Items: 17
Wildland fire effects on sediment, salinity, and selenium yields in a basin underlain by Cretaceous marine shales near Rangely, Colorado Wildland fire effects on sediment, salinity, and selenium yields in a basin underlain by Cretaceous marine shales near Rangely, Colorado
Understanding and quantifying soil erosion from rangelands is a high priority for land managers, especially in areas underlain by Cretaceous Mancos Shale, which is a natural source of sediment, salinity, and selenium to surface waters in many areas of western Colorado and eastern Utah. The purpose of this report is to present the results of a U.S. Geological Survey study that assessed...
Authors
Natalie K. Day, Todd M. Preston, Patrick C. Longley
Cultivating resilience in dryland soils: An assisted migration approach to biological soil crust restoration Cultivating resilience in dryland soils: An assisted migration approach to biological soil crust restoration
Land use practices and climate change have driven substantial soil degradation across global drylands, impacting ecosystem functions and human livelihoods. Biological soil crusts, a common feature of dryland ecosystems, are under extensive exploration for their potential to restore the stability and fertility of degraded soils through the development of inoculants. However, stressful...
Authors
Sierra Jech, Natalie K. Day, Nichole Barger, Anita Antoninka, Matthew A. Bowker, Sasha C. Reed, Colin L Tucker
Characterization of streamflow and nutrient occurrence in the upper White River Basin, Colorado, 1980–2020 Characterization of streamflow and nutrient occurrence in the upper White River Basin, Colorado, 1980–2020
In 2016, Colorado Parks and Wildlife identified filamentous algae collected from the main stem White River as Cladophora glomerata, a pervasive nuisance aquatic alga. Excessive levels of filamentous algae can compromise aesthetic quality, limit recreational activities, and have negative effects on aquatic life including strong fluctuations in dissolved oxygen levels and a reduction in...
Authors
Natalie K. Day
Potential factors controlling benthic algae in the upper White River Basin, Colorado, 2018–21 Potential factors controlling benthic algae in the upper White River Basin, Colorado, 2018–21
Nuisance levels of benthic algae are becoming increasingly common in surface waters of the western United States and can compromise aesthetic quality, limit recreational activities, block water infrastructure, and negatively affect aquatic life. In cooperation with the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts, the Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Forum, and the Colorado...
Authors
Rachel G. Gidley, Natalie K. Day
Investigation of potential factors controlling benthic algae in the upper White River Basin, Colorado, 2018–21 Investigation of potential factors controlling benthic algae in the upper White River Basin, Colorado, 2018–21
Nuisance levels of benthic filamentous green algae are becoming increasingly common in surface waters of Colorado and the western United States. In 2018 the U.S. Geological Survey began a study in cooperation with the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts, Colorado River Basin Salinity Control Forum, and the Colorado River Water Conservation District to collect and analyze...
Authors
Natalie K. Day, Mark F. Henneberg
A review of current capabilities and science gaps in water supply data, modeling, and trends for water availability assessments in the Upper Colorado River Basin A review of current capabilities and science gaps in water supply data, modeling, and trends for water availability assessments in the Upper Colorado River Basin
The Colorado River is a critical water resource in the southwestern United States, supplying drinking water for 40 million people in the region and water for irrigation of 2.2 million hectares of land. Extended drought in the Upper Colorado River Basin (UCOL) and the prospect of a warmer climate in the future pose water availability challenges for those charged with managing the river...
Authors
Fred D. Tillman, Natalie K. Day, Matthew P. Miller, Olivia L. Miller, Christine Rumsey, Daniel Wise, Patrick C. Longley, Morgan C. McDonnell
Non-USGS Publications**
Jech, S.D., Dohrenwend, K., Day, N., Barger, N.N., Antoninka, A., Bowker, M.A., Reed, S., and Tucker, C., 2025, Developing biocrust field cultivation techniques for soil restoration: An assessment of bacterial communities: Applied Soil Ecology, v. 206, article 10586, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2024.105861.
Antoninka, A., Rowe, H., Weser, J., Langenfeld, D., Brady, J., Sprague, T., Day, N., 2024. Comparing greenhouse and field biocrust cultivation methods in the Sonoran Desert. Ecological Solutions and Evidence.
Jech, S.D., Day, N., Barger, N.N., Antoninka, A., Bowker, M.A., Reed, S., Tucker, C., 2023. Cultivating Resilience in Dryland Soils: An Assisted Migration Approach to Biological Soil Crust Restoration. Microorganisms Special Issue New Horizons in Terrestrial Cyanobacteria: Advancing Fundamental Understanding of Physiology, Ecology and Genomics.
Tillman, Fred D, Natalie K. Day, Matthew P. Miller, Olivia L. Miller, Christine A. Rumsey, Daniel R. Wise, Patrick C. Longley, and Morgan C. McDonnell. 2022. "A Review of Current Capabilities and Science Gaps in Water Supply Data, Modeling, and Trends for Water Availability Assessments in the Upper Colorado River Basin" Water 14, no. 23: 3813. https://doi.org/10.3390/w14233813
Sutfin, N.A., Wohl, E., Fegel, T., Day, N., Lynch, L., 2021. Logjams and Channel Morphology Influence Sediment Storage, Transformation of Organic Matter, and Carbon Storage Within Mountain Stream Corridors. Water resources research. v. 57(5), https://doi.org/10.1029/2020WR028046
Fick, S.E., Day, N., Duniway, M.C., Hoy‐Skubik, S. and Barger, N.N., 2019. Microsite enhancements for soil stabilization and rapid biocrust colonization in degraded drylands. Restoration Ecology.
Tucker, C., Antoninka, A., Day, N., Poff, B. and Reed, S., 2020. Biological soil crust salvage for dryland restoration: an opportunity for natural resource restoration. Restoration Ecology.
Amendments fail to hasten biocrust recovery or soil stability at a disturbed dryland sandy site
Day, N.K., Hall Jr, R.O. 2017. Ammonium uptake kinetics and nitrification in mountain streams. Freshwater Science v. 36.1, p. 41-54.
Day, N.K., Likens, G.E., Judd, K.E., 2006. Nitrogen cycling in streams: A comparison of the roles of debris dams and mosses. Institute of Ecosystem Studies.
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.