Where we WERC
Our scientists conduct studies from the deserts of the Mojave to the diverse ecosystems of the Great Basin
Our scientists conduct studies from the deserts of the Mojave to the diverse ecosystems of the Great Basin
Our Scientists at WERC
Ecologists collecting field samples to detect contaminants in the environment
Ecologists collecting field samples to detect contaminants in the environment
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.
WERC Quick Links
WERC Quick Links
Check out our most up-to-date data, events and science.
News
2025 in Review: The Saline Lake Ecosystems Integrated Water Availability Assessment
2025 in Review: The Saline Lake Ecosystems Integrated Water Availability Assessment
Earth Science Matters - Vol. 21 | Issue 1
Earth Science Matters - Vol. 21 | Issue 1
Helping the California Winter Rice Habitat Incentive Program increase bird use of winter-flooded rice fields
Helping the California Winter Rice Habitat Incentive Program increase bird use of winter-flooded rice fields
Publications
Seasonal and decadal changes in winter body condition of four sympatric diving ducks Seasonal and decadal changes in winter body condition of four sympatric diving ducks
Winter body condition is an important driver of survival, reproductive output, and overall population health in waterfowl. Diving duck species use distinct habitats, exploit unique resources, and can collectively provide an integrated index of winter habitat quality. The San Francisco Bay (SFB) is the largest estuary on the west coast of North America, serving as critical wintering...
Distribution, abundance, breeding activities, and habitat use of the Least Bell's Vireo at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California—2020–24 summary report Distribution, abundance, breeding activities, and habitat use of the Least Bell's Vireo at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California—2020–24 summary report
Executive Summary The purpose of this report is to provide the Marine Corps with a summary of abundance, breeding activity, demography, and habitat use of endangered Least Bell’s Vireos (Vireo bellii pusillus) at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, California (MCBCP or Base). The report presents results of vireo surveys and monitoring in 2024 and summarizes a subset of data collected from...
Rice cultivation supports growth and survival of a threatened semi-aquatic reptile Rice cultivation supports growth and survival of a threatened semi-aquatic reptile
Integration of agroecosystems and other working landscapes with protected lands and waters is critical to the conservation of Earth's biodiversity. Rice agroecosystems support many species by providing aquatic habitat where natural wetlands have been altered or drained. In regions with long dry seasons, rice fields and associated irrigation canals provide essential habitat for wetland...
Science
Where Land Meets Sea: USGS Science for Resilient Coastal Habitats
USGS coastal science plays a critical role in supporting the effective, science-based management of coastal ecosystems, where the biodiversity of land and sea meet. It provides managers with the information they need to make sound decisions. Through cutting-edge research, predictive modeling, and decision-support tools, USGS empowers resource managers to make informed, science-based choices. From...
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Ecosystems Mission Area, Land Management Research Program, California Water Science Center, Eastern Ecological Science Center, Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center, Pacific Coastal and Marine Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), Western Fisheries Research Center, Western Geographic Science Center, Wetland and Aquatic Research Center
USGS Sagebrush Science: Supporting Public Safety and Economic Decision Making Across the West
The sagebrush biome is one of the largest ecosystems in North America. Encompassing nearly one-third of the continental U.S., it provides critical resources for millions of Americans and a home for hundreds of plants and animal species in the West. Natural resource management in sagebrush ecosystems can be complex, and science can support management decisions by providing knowledge and tools to...
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Core Science Systems Mission Area, Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Cooperative Research Units, Land Management Research Program, Species Management Research Program, Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center , Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center, Fort Collins Science Center, Northern Rocky Mountain Science Center, Southwest Biological Science Center, Western Ecological Research Center (WERC), Wildland Fire Science
Tackling avian influenza with automated detection for an early warning system
The USGS is collaborating with agricultural and wildlife management partners to address the threat of highly-pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) to wildlife, domestic poultry, and livestock. Partners include federal (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Department of Agriculture) and non-federal agencies as well as State government, private organizations, and academic institutions. Our...