[ECOLOG-L] Ques: seed germination of few mixed-grass prairie plants

[Reinhart, Kurt]

Hi,
 
Despite having collected seed and done some preliminary germination
trials, we are now having some trouble getting seed for a few species to
germinate in sufficient quantities for an experiment.  Our biggest
offender is an exotic forb (Logfia arvensis aka Filago arvensis,
Gnaphalium arvense, and Oglifa arvensis).  We have limited viable seed
for Loar so are trying to use it sparingly.  I would appreciate
receiving germination recommendations and/or purchasing any extra seed
that you may have of Loar.
 
I would also appreciate germination tips for three others that we have
ample seed supplies.
1) Pascopyrum smithii (western wheatgrass)
2) Astragulus crassicarpus
3) Astragulus missouriensis
 
For #1-3, we had 10-30% germination in our trial (Petri plate and filter
paper) but are having lower success now in pots and trays.
 
Thanks,
Kurt
 
Kurt Reinhart, Research Ecologist
USDA-ARS
Fort Keogh Livestock & Range Research Laboratory
243 Fort Keogh Road
Miles City, MT 59301 USA
email: kurt.reinh...@ars.usda.gov
Office: (406) 874-8211
Fax: (406) 874-8289
educational website: http://iecology.net  
 

[ECOLOG-L] NSF fellowships for research on vegetation-climate interactions in the Amazon

[M Ritter]

NSF fellowships for research on vegetation-climate interactions in the Amazon 

National Science Foundation (NSF) graduate fellowships ($30,000 per year,
for up to two years) are available starting in the 2010-2011 academic year
for Amazon-PIRE (Partnership for International Research and Education) for
ecology and earth-system science students to study vegetation-climate
interactions in the Amazon basin (Brazil). 

Amazon-PIRE fellows must be admitted to a participating Ph.D. program at the
University of Arizona or Harvard University. Fellowships support United
States citizens or permanent residents, and include an annual stipend,
tuition, health insurance, and travel to Brazilian field sites and
collaborating institutions.

Amazon-PIRE is a U.S.-Brazilian partnership addressing the question, “What
is the future of Amazon forests under climate change?" and promoting
international education, collaboration, and exchange.  Research focii
include long term observations (via eddy flux measurements, forest plot
surveys, physiological measurements, remote sensing, and aircraft sampling),
experimental manipulations (in the Tropical Forest Biome of Biosphere 2),
and modeling.   

Amazon-PIRE is committed to diversity in education, and encourages the
application of women and underrepresented minorities.  

* Application deadline for funding of graduate fellowships - February   
  5, 2010   

See the program website (http://www.amazonpire.org/opportunities.php)for key
application deadlines for relevant programs and more information, or email:
amazonp...@arizona.edu. 

[ECOLOG-L] Ph.D. assistanship, Peatland Ecology, Colorado State Univ

[David Cooper]

PhD Assistantship in Ecology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 
80523.
Influence of Climate Change on the Water and Carbon Budgets and Vegetation 
of Rocky Mountain Peatlands.  A graduate research assistantship is 
available to analyze the short and long-term influences of climate change 
on fens in the Rocky Mountains of the U.S.  We will analyze hydrologic, 
carbon and nutrient dynamics in fens located in areas with different 
precipitation regimes (San Juan Mountains, Colorado and Medicine Bow 
Mountains, Wyoming) and at different elevations.  The student will conduct 
detailed hydrologic analysis of well and piezometer nests, carbon gas 
fluxes, plant production and decomposition dynamics, as well as long-term 
history of peat accumulation and vegetation composition.  This project is 
a collaborative effort between Colorado State University (CSU) and the 
USDA Forest Service Rocky Mountain Research Station.  The student will be 
enrolled in the Graduate Degree Program in Ecology at CSU, and housed in 
the Department of Forest, Rangeland and Watershed Stewardship.  Applicants 
must possess a Masters degree in a suitable scientific field (hydrology, 
wetland ecology, or plant ecology), be physically capable of working in 
wilderness setting at high elevation sites (up to 3500 m elevation), and 
performing demanding work.  Student will be provided with a monthly 
stipend, and tuition and field expenses are provided.  Send letter of 
interest, CV and list of references to Dr. David J. Cooper at: 
david.coo...@colostate.edu

[ECOLOG-L] JOB: Research Botanist, NatureServe

[Kelly Gravuer]

NatureServe, an international nonprofit conservation organization, is 
seeking a Research Botanist to join its team of scientists.  This is a 
half-time position with the possibility of becoming full-time in the 
summer or fall of 2010. The Research Botanist assesses and reviews the 
conservation status of rare North American plants and contributes to a 
diverse array of projects and analyses that use this information to 
influence conservation decisions. Frequent clients/partners include U.S. 
and Canadian Federal land management agencies, as well as more local 
conservation groups and university-based conservation researchers.

The ideal candidate will have a M.S. in botany or in biology/ecology with 
a botanical emphasis, at least one year of experience working in a 
botanical field, a working knowledge of some portion of the North American 
flora, knowledge of systematic concepts, and excellent research and 
communication skills.

NatureServe’s mission-focused, collaborative atmosphere motivates staff to 
contribute their best efforts to make a positive impact on some of the 
world’s most pressing environmental issues.

We offer a competitive nonprofit benefits package that includes a 401(k) 
savings and retirement plan with matching contributions; health and dental 
insurance; short and long-term disability; annual and sick leave; and life 
insurance.

NatureServe is located in Arlington, Virginia just outside Washington, 
D.C., in a location easily accessible by foot, bike, or public 
transportation. If you would like to pursue a career in plant conservation 
that makes a tangible difference, please go to 
http://www.natureserve.org/aboutUs/jobs/researchBotanist.jsp for detailed 
information about this job, the organization, and how to apply.