Our Work
Oak Ecology Research Group
Western Oregon University ecology students making observations under an oak tree
Who we are:
The Western Oregon University Oak Ecology Research Group (WOU-OERG) is a partnership of faculty at Western Oregon University and landowners at Tampico Ridge, North Corvallis in the mid-Willamette valley. Together we are helping to elucidate understudied aspects of Oregon white oak (Quercus garryana) ecology and train a new generation of scientists and conservation professionals.
Primary Objectives:
Goal 1: Create a sustainable, long-term research and monitoring program to better understand ecological dynamics in Quercus garryana habitat conservation and restoration.
Goal 2: Integrate research with undergraduate courses to train students within the rich learning environment of our local oak ecosystem.
Goal 3: Strengthen ties between Western Oregon University and our community and build meaningful partnerships with local landowners.
Monitoring Goals:
The WOU-OERG brings a long-term monitoring and scientific research approach to trying to understand ecological dynamics in oak habitats. We are interested in elucidating processes that occur in both the near-term and on decadal time scales. We collect, analyze, and disseminate data that will lead to a better understanding of how Q. garryana habitats are changing with or without restorative practices and with pressure from a changing climate. Our main data streams include:
- Water stress, carbohydrate dynamics, and growth of Q. garryana trees.
- Foliar herbivory, masting dynamics, and acorn predation in Q. garryana.
- Mycorrhizal community composition and diversity associated with Q. garryana.
- Invertebrate community composition and diversity in Q. garryana habitats.
- Amphibian and reptile community composition and diversity in Q. garryana habitats.
Communication and Outreach:
As one of our core goals, the WOU-OERG, believes that to make our data valuable we need to communicate and share our findings often and in diverse formats. We believe in centering our community and landowner partners in this process to build a strong local community and in respect for the important role that local landowners play in oak habitat conservation. We host an annual evening gathering and poster event to share our most recent findings. We also present regularly at regional and national conferences.
Project contact:
Ava R. Howard, Ph.D. she/her
Professor | Department of Biology
Western Oregon University
Monmouth, OR 97361
howarda@wou.edu
