One of the more dynamic ecosystems, pinon/juniper woodlands display many diverse facets of species interactions. During two walks you’ll encounter multiple levels of ecology, from the pervasive, microscopic cryptobiotic crusts to the global scale of climatic variation. We’ll discuss the interplay of human-induced change, drought, fire, competition/cooperation between pinons and junipers, episodic outbreaks of insects, and why this ecosystem is the most sensitive to small variations in moisture and temperature. Long- and short-term temporal cycles can be seen all around us. Class size is limited to a small number. We will carpool from Santa Fe Community College
Sunday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sept. 11, 1 day.
Course #SW317 01/CRN 20932
William Neuwirth, Fee $65
