Aspen Biologists Volunteer Services For Various Environmental And Humanitarian Projects
Aspen biologist Justin Wood in the field.
The biologists at Aspen Environmental Group are trying to give back and make a difference by volunteering their expertise in a variety of projects both locally and internationally. Two biologists from our Inland Empire office, Scott White and Justin Wood, are both avid plant collectors and Research Associates at Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden, located in Claremont. Over the years, Scott and Justin have prepared thousands of botanical specimens and scientific labels, for donation to the Garden’s Herbarium. The Herbarium is a world-class museum-quality collection of more than 1.2 million plant specimens, that serve as the basic documentation of California’s botanical diversity, and the occurrence and distribution of every species.
Aspen’s Dr. Carl Demetropoulos is involved in a variety of environmental and humanitarian projects both domestically and abroad. In the southwestern United States, he works with State and federal resource agencies and other aquatic scientists on the recovery of several threatened and endangered species including desert pupfish, Mohave tui chub, Santa Ana sucker, unarmored three-spine stickleback, and California red-legged frog. Most of the work revolves around collecting fundamental autecology data, monitoring existing populations, and identifying and protecting new population of the species. The work takes him to remote and relatively unexplored areas of the Southwestern US to test ecological principles with an eye towards restoration and recovery of these valuable species.
Two of the most interesting local projects revolve around Santa Ana sucker and California red-legged frog. Santa Ana sucker is a federally threatened species that has seen significant declines and degradation in its habitat. Along with Sam Stewart and Justin Wood, Dr. Demetropoulos has been applying techniques derived from California’s Surface Water Ambient Monitoring Program (SWAMP) in the Lower Big Tujunga Wash and Santa Ana River to better understand the autecology of this species. In that process they have discovered key physical habitat metrics, benthic macro invertebrates assemblages, and diatoms species associated with good sucker habitat. Their goal is to develop a model for predicting sucker presence based on these metrics that can be applied to the species across its current range. Working with researchers at University of California at Riverside, and Pomona College, they are finding the model has application in the Santa Ana River. The model is currently being integrated into a larger recovery effort by resource agencies.
After the California red-legged frog population was discovered by Aspen Senior Biologist Sam Stewart in the upper part of Aliso Canyon near Acton, CA, Carl and Sam received permission from the Federal Fish and Wildlife Service to collect population dynamics data on the frogs between different types of habitat. Thus far, the research has shown that during the breeding season in the spring, California red-legged frogs in this area move long distances through narrow riparian corridors between overwintering and breeding areas. The research is important in order to protect habitat that is of a transient nature to the species.
In Central America Dr. Demetropoulos is working with a group of scientists to identify toxicological hotspots associated with excessive fungicide and pesticide use, alternative green technology, and remediation of soils and riparian systems. The group helps low-income farmers move toward organic and green chemistry practices, control plant disease, and improve crop yields. The goal is to empower low-income farmers toward sustainable, high-value, organic production. As part of this effort, Dr. Demetropoulos works on a project with the Catholic Church that focuses US donations toward providing quality nutrition to poor and aging El Salvadorian communities disrupted by crop diseases.
The fisheries work in Madagascar is of great interest to fresh-water fisheries ecologists worldwide. Very little is known about fish and aquatic habitat characteristics in Madagascar’s Ankarafantsika National Park. Working with a fisheries colleague in Budapest, Hungry, Dr. Demetropoulos is helping to secure funding for an initial research effort to map the biodiversity of known species and their habitats in the park. Dr. Demetropoulos’ role is primarily field research design, biostatistics, and habitat modeling.
Students receiving hands-on experience with animal bones and fur.
In addition, Aspen’s Biological Resources Group Manager, Chris Huntley, conducts presentations on wildlife biology and ecology at a local elementary school. Prior to each class, Chris coordinates with the teachers to ensure each presentation is tailored to support the school’s environmental curriculum, and the current class focus, and to provide a hands-on experience for the students. The presentations are interactive and the students are often called upon to comment or assist with the class. Typically, Chris includes a PowerPoint or video that combines humor with the curriculum, which the children enjoy. At the conclusion of the curriculum, the students are encouraged to inspect and handle animal teeth, fur, skeletons, antlers, fossils, shells, and other items that help cement the presentation. For many children, this is their first opportunity to get hands-on training and inspect the differences between various animals. The children enjoy the hands-on time and remember the lesson long after the class ends.