https://www.sudinglab.org/our-projects daily 0.75 2025-12-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1559250201725-XVLH3ELMOYFC3UT772MX/image-asset.jpeg Our Projects https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1559248371792-BQDXDQQL0DWB44KFD359/IMG_1037.JPG Our Projects https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1559248383504-IDY979C0PJ3P30LULPKG/hymgra5+Bowman.jpg Our Projects https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1559248513306-ONCEMVWKEZZFPVYAIGF6/eli-allan-1340297-unsplash.jpg Our Projects https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1559248634234-ZFV3UYT4NJQBBX9FTL8C/image-asset.jpeg Our Projects https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1559248971992-70DO1LPR14VSJ6SB07VK/ChinaAerial.png Our Projects https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1559249366788-E0GLW425S13WCS7VCRBU/image-asset.jpeg Our Projects https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1559249545925-V1O9KM96XU7FL6S9XNL4/image-asset.jpeg Our Projects https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1559250272386-KBK2W296WHSOU404KG1T/IML-BATP-04108.jpg Our Projects https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/95424039-ebd6-4d89-8228-654f67f72421/bryce-olsen-4Cu9-BA8QoA-unsplash.jpg Our Projects - The Colorado Buffalo Collective Through bison re-introduction, we aim to grow connections of the 48 tribes that have ties to the land now known as Colorado, heal the ecology of the land, and build economies that allow for sustainable restoration futures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1558817404386-YI4UKA7TO5IDO1KHX5GW/IML-BATP-04068.jpg Our Projects - Boulder Apple Tree Project In the mid-1800s, there were thousands of unique varieties of apple trees in the United States, some of the most astounding diversity ever developed in a food crop. The Boulder Apple Tree Project is working to restore local apple cultivars on the Colorado Front Range, and in the process, train a new generation of community-engaged scientists. Credit: Matt Talarico/Media Impact Lab https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/ce571f9a-1b74-498d-a01b-53e5a24c5754/IMG_7103.jpg Our Projects - Collaborative Research on Grassland Fuels and Fire Risk The Marshall Fire and the increasing frequency of extreme grass-driven wildfires have raised a variety of questions about understanding grassland fuel dynamics and what can be done to reduce wildfire risk while maintaining healthy grasslands. We are studying grassland fuel variation and testing the effectiveness and consequences of various fuel reduction methods to better inform fuel management decisions at large scales. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/6352d990-b60e-4b60-9bca-693290885e78/DroughtNet.jpg Our Projects - Grassland Resilience and Diversity It is hard to work in a landscape when services vary widely from year to year due to climate fluctuations, especially when these fluctuations are getting more and more extreme. Does diversity hold a key? We are exploring how managing for a diversity of species, all with different strategies, might best stabilize services in face of this increased variability. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/99a47416-d177-48b9-aded-2983f5dfaaf7/IMG_6019.jpeg Our Projects - Niwot Ridge Long-term Ecology Project The Niwot Ridge LTER is a NSF-funded 40+ year study of mountain ecosystems in the Colorado Rockies. Our mission is to understand how our complex mountain systems are changing and to illuminate the future of the many critical services these systems provide to all of us living downhill. https://www.sudinglab.org/join-in daily 0.75 2026-01-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1560134097375-UNRYAQ05RQEVT80MHUBM/IMG_1202.jpg Join in Grasslands south of Boulder are glorious in May. Credit: K. Suding https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1556315469127-FXK23C06BP502XVIKRAP/IMG_2123.jpg Join in Lab Retreat, December 2018, Mt Evans. Credit: I. Schroeter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1556315708813-ZDGIA0V6HGDD72WXZO00/IMG_1466.JPG Join in Laurel Brigham & Jane Smith, T-Van, Niwot Ridge. Credit: N. Shackelford https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1556316444371-T7GSCOH9B2OFJ8FNIMV2/IMG_0518.jpg Join in Green Lake 4 and up towards the Arikaree Glacier, Niwot Ridge. Lake crew near outlet. Credit: K. Suding https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1556315600792-7U7O6YBW0GAWF8M911MZ/IML-BATP-03917.jpg Join in Katharine Suding, Dunn House, Boulder Open Space. Credit: Matt Talarico, Media Impact Lab https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1556315528791-VMK58M3Z02RE2Z22F0DS/IMG_1111.jpg Join in Julie Larson, Drought Net Experiment, Boulder Open Space. Credit: K. Suding https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1556315915072-6X3M60XW2V3M83J5NFFN/BATP_Credit+Matt+Talarico+-+Impact+Media+Lab-168.jpg Join in Lisa Corwin & Deidre Jaeger, Macky Greenhouse. Credit: M. Talarico, Media Impact Lab https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1556316344594-4ETWZBM7HVQ47JJ0PLUR/IMG_0653.jpg Join in A favorite tree, near Marshal Mesa, Boulder Open Space. Credit: K. Suding https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1559162218422-402AU6P7IDULCD5XE862/hilltop-1209853_1920.jpg Join in https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1559162608556-YB0OKVQJTZNRXNIDQ2PV/image-asset.jpeg Join in https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1559163659170-2W4ZUARGEFR4VTJIATO1/image-asset.jpeg Join in https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1559250772507-K85FZZN0GN573EJV3BGI/nwt-reu-students.jpg Join in https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1557016200411-3MY5R23W7PGA4U7O6Y3K/BATP_Credit%2BMatt%2BTalarico%2B-%2BImpact%2BMedia%2BLab-167.jpg Join in https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1557016246403-2885L3YTP50VAXNAMU30/DSC03839.jpg Join in https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1557015952030-Q45XJW4JW10KX8EM7MDO/image-asset.jpeg Join in https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1559168313189-5DMLZKBMAFRAHFPYW6G8/Lab%252BSFREC%252B0513.jpg Join in https://www.sudinglab.org/news daily 0.75 2025-12-31 https://www.sudinglab.org/news/the-buffs-backyard-orchard-on-30th-street monthly 0.5 2025-12-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/bc34277e-72cf-4e40-a6d9-d2b3f575bd85/Apple+orchard+research+in+progress+sm.jpg News - The Buffs Backyard Orchard on 30th Street! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.sudinglab.org/news/the-incredible-gift-of-spruce-gulch-research-reserve monthly 0.5 2025-12-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/e1daa06e-1cb8-495f-b375-e512a0025c2b/LindaHolubarSanabria_180056479_img_4074.jpg News - The Incredible gift of Spruce Gulch Research Reserve! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.sudinglab.org/news/the-bower-award monthly 0.5 2025-12-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/d9fefa63-9470-496f-a0b8-e60a57edb489/Awards+2025+KS+screen+far.jpg News - The Bower Award - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.sudinglab.org/news/ancient-grasslands monthly 0.5 2025-12-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/49a6bb41-fef6-4224-a723-c1002cbe6ad2/clay-banks-wAxKyUSm_NI-unsplash.jpg News - Ancient Grasslands: Free Link to Science Paper - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.sudinglab.org/news/science-friday-uncovering-a-colorado-apple-mystery monthly 0.5 2019-06-26 https://www.sudinglab.org/gallery-1 daily 0.75 2017-04-05 https://www.sudinglab.org/new-gallery daily 0.75 2019-05-07 https://www.sudinglab.org/about-us daily 0.75 2026-01-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1559167954012-9ORN17M17Z9FFQLV5SSQ/image-asset.jpeg About us https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/d49af205-d991-4eda-b161-450709244871/Labgroup2025.png About us Lab Retreat, Estes Park (2025): Sam Ahler, Advyth Ramachandran, Katie Suding, Kai Kopecky, Hunter Geist-Sanchez. Tom Merchant, Annie Meeder, Jon Henn, Sarah-Elizabeth Stockman. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/41638cec-f704-4c53-b961-01815569c1a1/Awards+2025+0294+copy.jpg About us - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1555d13e-23e0-4a44-84e1-d46e406011e8/IML-BATP-03925.jpg About us https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/e4fca4e7-d075-491d-b185-305036124e9a/IMG_3067.jpg About us - Sam Ahler Pronouns: they/them PhD Candidate (BS, University of Wisconsin Madison). Co-advised by Dr. Nancy Shackelford Research Interests: Community ecology, restoration ecology, field education, rangeland management, functional traits, bison restoration Website | Publications sam.ahler@colorado.edu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/0422bcdf-dc3b-4773-9228-6b92bfa3fb89/KatBarr.png About us - Kat Barr Pronouns: she/her Honors student (BA Cornell, BA in progess CU) Research interests: plant diversity, invasion, species interactions katherine.barr@colorado.edu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/0adf23d9-3582-44eb-a60c-7b0508586cfe/Hunter+Bio+Photo.jpg About us - Hunter Geist-Sanchez Pronouns: she/her PhD Student (MS, MPA, Indiana University Bloomington; BA, University of California San Diego) Research Interests: Community ecology, invasion, climate variability and disturbance, public resource management Publications caitlin.t.white@colorado.edu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/e8f217bf-bb73-43d8-acfc-0a06c09710a3/KatyaJay.jpg About us - Katya Jay Pronouns: she/her Postdoctoral Fellow (PhD, Oregon State University; BS, Macalester College). Co-advised by Dr. Will Wieder. Research Interests: Plant community ecology, global change biology, ecogeomorphology Publications katya.jay@colorado.edu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/de197b0c-f97a-4dfc-a76d-647a4a716456/Image+from+iOS.jpg About us - Kai Kopecky Pronouns: he/him Postdoctoral Fellow (ESIIL Fellow; PhD, University of California Santa Barbara; BS, University of California Santa Cruz ) Research Interests: Resilience, disturbance, global change, foundation species, material legacies, marine and community ecology Publications Website kai.kopecky@colorado.edu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/6fffd016-c370-498f-a3ad-51995e0bb294/JordanLee.jpg About us - Jordan Lee Pronouns: she/her Research Associate (B.A., University of Colorado; wildland firefighter) Research Interests: social-environmental issues, fire risk and behavior, winter fuels greenup jordan.lee@colorado.edu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/099fcd7b-6387-4b6c-a165-636c636a6ba0/joey%2Bdog2.jpg About us - Joey Lodge Pronouns: they/them PhD Student (BA, Hamilton College). Co-advised by Dr. Marko Spasojevic Research Interests: Alpine ecology, community ecology, biogeography, and global change biology joey.lodge@colorado.edu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/0a761289-3768-4e4f-b7e9-001df9bc9928/IMG_5772.jpg About us - Annie Meeder Pronouns: she/her PhD Student (NSF Predoctoral Fellow; MS/BS, California Polytechnic University San Luis Obispo) Research Interests: Community ecology, field botany, STEM education, island systems annie.meeder@colorado.edu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1600462411390-8G8K1WS75NXJQS7J22RN/Tom.jpg About us - Tom Merchant Pronouns: he/him Postdoc (PhD 2025, NSF Predoctoral Fellow; BA, Brown University) Research Interests: Plant community, ecosystem ecology, and global change, plant-microbial interactions, data science thomas.merchant@colorado.edu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/b65e14c0-a1f1-4ecf-b9ab-c48402fb6816/SamMetzger.jpg About us - Sam Metzger Pronouns: they/them Research Associate (B.S., University of Oregon) Research interests: plant communities, rangelands, drought sam.metzger@colorado.edu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/40e050a5-e645-4c50-8796-a9a44a01adea/IMG_1317.png About us - Advyth Ramachandran Pronouns: he/him PhD Student (NSF Predoctoral Fellow, B.S., UC Riverside) Research interests: community & ecosystem ecology, fire ecology, urban ecology, nature-based solutions, plant functional traits, restoration advyth.ramachandran@colorado.edu Website | Publications https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/52d0ba56-3a24-4d76-8bf8-929b077e53db/SarahElizabethStockman.jpg About us - Sarah Elizabeth Stockman Pronouns: she/her PhD Student (Interdisciplinary Quantitative Biology Fellow @ BioFrontiers; BA, Wellesley College) Research Interests: Plant community ecology, climate change, biodiversity, data science, STEM education sarahelizabeth.stockman@colorado.edu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/67b684b9-f2ca-411d-aac8-702066cfd381/IMG_6361.jpg About us - learn more about lab alumni https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1556321242676-V6FDSWMWOMVF5CST0ZKU/image-asset.jpeg About us - Niwot Ridge Long-term Ecology Project The Niwot Ridge LTER program (NWT) is a 40+ year study of mountain ecosystems in the Colorado Rockies. Our mission is to understand how our complex mountain systems are changing and to illuminate the future of the many critical services these systems provide to all of us living downhill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1559168891820-UAEP9OO20BKPBTV6BDFK/IML-BATP-04068.jpg About us - Boulder Apple Tree Project In the mid-1800s, there were thousands of unique varieties of apple trees in the United States, some of the most astounding diversity ever developed in a food crop. We are working to restore local apple cultivars on the Colorado Front Range, and in the process, train a new generation of community-engaged scientists. Credit: Matt Talarico/Media Impact Lab https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1559168986210-Y04TVN1O2MMD3OXSMJK5/image-asset.jpeg About us - Mountain Riparian Restoration Project https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1559168852156-D5BACM8MYTV4QUJ6PC5L/image-asset.jpeg About us - Grassland Diversity Project https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1558122491412-B7LSMR7QTTYDBP27ZIZN/BOS.jpeg About us - Copy of Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1558122501522-OY4HUW1Q9JDG7W8158C0/LTER-network-square-lg.png About us - Copy of Longterm Ecological Research Network https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1558122516908-URHRCOE8M6ZPG2E90C9P/rocky_mountain_national_park_.jpg About us - Copy of Rocky Mountain National Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1558123339606-P7CTCYC9LBGKK1ILM6ZE/Wrv+349_thick.jpg About us - Copy of Wildlands Restoration Volunteers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1558122829759-ETLRIFYVDHMWO86QIVZF/museum-of-boulder-logo-copy-300x271.png About us - Copy of Museum of Boulder https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1558122842246-XKB7WZDBT37WFLNEZ8GK/widespread+malus.jpeg About us - Copy of Widespread Malus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1558122853896-ISLXJQES7YO7TT9VRUHG/usda.png About us - Copy of USDA ARS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1558123423837-IFS49XL71NOJDW3EFM3P/denver+botanic+gardens+2.jpg About us - Copy of Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1558122879692-PJNPV94U06V74S8OO5CX/boulder+county.png About us - Copy of Boulder County Parks and Open Space https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1558123492008-PJIE7RLEOV95KAJDUV8L/Carizzo-Plains-San-Luis-Obispo-8.jpg About us - Copy of Carrizo Plains National Monument https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1558123561377-QP6DMN928SCO3XK03GT2/lwog_logo-6x4.jpg About us - Copy of Lefthand Watershed Oversight Group (LWOG) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1558123160376-FTAPGQ43YEMJ3J7V9T79/TNC.png About us - Copy of The Nature Conservancy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1558123653153-WXNXM0W0CAJEST9KDLQT/SFREC.jpeg About us - Copy of Sierra Foothills Research and Extension Center https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1558123919478-KP0EBFT5WD8NQW567RJ2/powell+center.jpg About us - Copy of USGS Powell Center https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1558123931569-89VW2DRMQVDXNK8F1SXH/nroc.jpg About us - Copy of Nature Reserve of Orange County (NROC) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1558123945000-7OSV515SPKG6T10QPRNT/nceas.jpeg About us - Copy of National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis https://www.sudinglab.org/home-1 daily 1.0 2025-12-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1556756193404-O3S0WH67VRLI59TYW0IB/image-asset.jpeg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1556762065535-2AEBEGXFZ555B13FEHGE/image-asset.jpeg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1556311599801-0ZXVBRB0UMIM1GFNVVJR/IMG_1037.jpg Home - About us https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1556311652607-8ZH9GCOS5W0J8S35ZVLV/IML-BATP-03853.jpg Home - Our Projects https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1556310942812-JJL68ERIOQWETYBSZ3PV/BATP_Credit%2BMatt%2BTalarico%2B-%2BImpact%2BMedia%2BLab-93.jpg Home - Join in https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1556574695525-RTZ7NDNAHV8HU734TZGY/IML-BATP-03839.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1556762698647-DG62AYNQ5OFF5U4AU9OV/NWT_tour_Sep2015_trough.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1556762555651-K58HR6YL7ID9ZWIZSCR6/IMG_1096.JPG Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1556574981921-PA3YOTCFJ9GSQYMI2XLR/BATP_Credit+Matt+Talarico+-+Impact+Media+Lab-39.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1556575723589-EL7JKQGTBXH4EUB775EA/AppleTree001-Leaf.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1556762470788-LZ2W6Q9Z7F7M0TQAAJRG/BATP_Credit%2BMatt%2BTalarico%2B-%2BImpact%2BMedia%2BLab-93.jpg Home https://www.sudinglab.org/home daily 0.75 2019-04-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1555541767568-16A3NAMXZUZ13U6ZCL1Z/image-asset.jpeg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1555542139179-V2M6WYLK2SHAG8P5NC97/image-asset.jpeg Home - About Find out about our team, our projects, and the results of our work. Some common themes include plant-soil feedbacks, species effects on ecosystem processes, community assembly, functional traits, thresholds and resilience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1556249555359-6K32Y1V9QD4ODEI5L6AL/IML-BATP-03917.jpg Home - Get Involved We partner with other researchers, non-profits, community members. We love to involve students. There are many ways to join in. https://www.sudinglab.org/about daily 0.75 2025-06-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1558233455946-BRVHFZE7A7IBQZNVG00Q/Lab+at+LabRetreat+Nov+2013+%281%29.jpeg About https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1558233478365-Z9TDRK2FMXAO10P4QIIA/ymca_retreat_2017_skating.jpg About https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1558464613510-JGPAOMLA4P95S76BOTN8/NWT_tour_Sep2015_trough.jpg About https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1559162071689-S8SCU6G6DOVR8CDNVN0T/Lab+retreat+2012.jpeg About https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1559162082211-WN1ETM7M0KMKCFEFVWUL/Lab+SFREC+0513.jpg About https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1559171089042-0A2QYUL6NTV8626VXPBJ/IMG_2123.jpg About https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/cf52221e-e544-47fe-8f0e-68a0eb4e360c/SamAhler.jpg About - Sam Ahler Pronouns: they/them PhD student (BS, University of Wisconsin Madison). Research Interests: Bud banks/vegetative reproduction, restoration ecology, functional trait ecology, LGBTQ+ experiences in STEM Website | Publications | Twitter sam.ahler@colorado.edu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1630556369196-0W4OQ4HYGX34UU4QOJ8Q/Jon%2BHenn About - Jon Henn Pronouns: he/him Postdoctoral Fellow (PhD, University of Wisconsin Madison; BS, St. Olaf College). Co-advised by Dr. Marko Spasojevic. Research interests: Plant community change, restoration ecology, climate change, functional traits Website | Publications | Twitter jonathan.henn@colorado.edu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/e8f217bf-bb73-43d8-acfc-0a06c09710a3/KatyaJay.jpg About - Katya Jay Pronouns: she/her Postdoctoral Fellow (PhD, Oregon State University; BS, Macalester College). Co-advised by Dr. Will Wieder. Research Interests: Plant community ecology, global change biology, ecogeomorphology Publications katya.jay@colorado.edu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/0f46b838-d74f-46bd-a3e2-0cf75acd7330/hymgra5+Bowman.jpg About - Joey Lodge Pronouns: they/them PhD Student (BA, Hamilton College) Research Interests: Alpine ecology, community ecology, biogeography, and global change biology aj.lodge@colorado.edu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/3bbadad1-1ac5-4ef0-a35b-7c69fbe72258/Annie.jpg About - Annie Meeder Pronouns: she/her PhD Student (NSF Predoctoral Fellow; BS, California Polytechnic University San Luis Obispo) Research Interests: Community ecology, field botany, STEM education, island systems annie.meeder@colorado.edu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1600356350073-IXAB10LYTFZISU0TPQA5/Tom.jpg About - Tom Merchant Pronouns: he/him PhD Student (NSF Predoctoral Fellow; BA, Brown University) Research interests: Plant community, ecosystem ecology, and global change, plant-microbial interactions, data science thomas.merchant@colorado.edu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/b68a91fd-0d37-4610-b29c-9b12043f93a3/Advyth_bio_photo.jpg About - Advyth Ramachandran Pronouns: he/him PhD Student (NSF Predoctoral Fellow; BS, University of California Riverside) Research Interests: Plant community ecology, ecosystem ecology, fire ecology, biogeography, global change Publications | Twitter advyth.ramachandran@colorado.edu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1600356665986-AJEI97DVW3E6XFAOZRBI/janesmith.jpg About - Jane G. Smith Pronouns: she/her Research Associate (PhD, New Mexico State University; BA/BS, University of Colorado Boulder) Research Interests: Botany, alpine flora, ecosystem ecology, soil organic carbon and carbon cycling Publications jane.g.smith@colorado.edu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/52d0ba56-3a24-4d76-8bf8-929b077e53db/SarahElizabethStockman.jpg About - Sarah Elizabeth Stockman Pronouns: she/her Professional Research Assistant (BA, Wellesley College) Research Interests: Plant community ecology, climate change, biodiversity, data science, STEM education sarahelizabeth.stockman@colorado.edu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1600357418621-UELX80HWBXF2VXV1HYT9/AppleTrees1.jpg About - Katharine Suding Pronouns: she/her Distinguished Professor, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology; Fellow, Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (PhD, University of Michigan; BA, Williams College) N211 RAMY (main campus) Publications | Twitter suding@colorado.edu https://www.sudinglab.org/alumni daily 0.75 2025-08-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1557266625174-LW3EAIPRKCTM1B78F2CY/Lab%2Bat%2BLabRetreat%2BNov%2B2013.jpg Alumni Lab Retreat 2013: Joan Dudney, Lauren Hallett, Pierre Mariotte, Erica Spotswood, Dylan Chapple, SaraJo Dickens, Emily Farrer, Fernando Bechara, Katie Suding https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1559170110856-10APKSXYJEJ208E0R7PF/IMG_5273.jpg Alumni Lab Retreat 2012: Joanna Hsu, Emily Farrer, Claudia Stein, Katie Suding, SaraJo Dickens, Lauren Hallet, Loralee Larios, Erica Spotswood https://www.sudinglab.org/partners daily 0.75 2019-05-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1558122491412-B7LSMR7QTTYDBP27ZIZN/BOS.jpeg Partners - Boulder Open Space and Mountain Parks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1558122501522-OY4HUW1Q9JDG7W8158C0/LTER-network-square-lg.png Partners - Longterm Ecological Research Network https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1558122516908-URHRCOE8M6ZPG2E90C9P/rocky_mountain_national_park_.jpg Partners - Rocky Mountain National Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1558123339606-P7CTCYC9LBGKK1ILM6ZE/Wrv+349_thick.jpg Partners - Wildlands Restoration Volunteers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1558122829759-ETLRIFYVDHMWO86QIVZF/museum-of-boulder-logo-copy-300x271.png Partners - Museum of Boulder https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1558122842246-XKB7WZDBT37WFLNEZ8GK/widespread+malus.jpeg Partners - Widespread Malus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1558122853896-ISLXJQES7YO7TT9VRUHG/usda.png Partners - USDA ARS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1558123423837-IFS49XL71NOJDW3EFM3P/denver+botanic+gardens+2.jpg Partners - Denver Botanic Gardens Chatfield Farms https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1558122879692-PJNPV94U06V74S8OO5CX/boulder+county.png Partners - Boulder County Parks and Open Space https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1558123492008-PJIE7RLEOV95KAJDUV8L/Carizzo-Plains-San-Luis-Obispo-8.jpg Partners - Carrizo Plains National Monument https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1558123561377-QP6DMN928SCO3XK03GT2/lwog_logo-6x4.jpg Partners - Lefthand Watershed Oversight Group (LWOG) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1558123160376-FTAPGQ43YEMJ3J7V9T79/TNC.png Partners - The Nature Conservancy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1558123653153-WXNXM0W0CAJEST9KDLQT/SFREC.jpeg Partners - Sierra Foothills Research and Extension Center https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1558123919478-KP0EBFT5WD8NQW567RJ2/powell+center.jpg Partners - USGS Powell Center https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1558123931569-89VW2DRMQVDXNK8F1SXH/nroc.jpg Partners - Nature Reserve of Orange County (NROC) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1558123945000-7OSV515SPKG6T10QPRNT/nceas.jpeg Partners - National Center for Ecological Analysis and Synthesis https://www.sudinglab.org/location-social-1 daily 0.75 2019-05-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1556574695525-RTZ7NDNAHV8HU734TZGY/IML-BATP-03839.jpg Copy of Location + Social https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1556762698647-DG62AYNQ5OFF5U4AU9OV/NWT_tour_Sep2015_trough.jpg Copy of Location + Social https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1556762555651-K58HR6YL7ID9ZWIZSCR6/IMG_1096.JPG Copy of Location + Social https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1556574981921-PA3YOTCFJ9GSQYMI2XLR/BATP_Credit+Matt+Talarico+-+Impact+Media+Lab-39.jpg Copy of Location + Social https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1556575723589-EL7JKQGTBXH4EUB775EA/AppleTree001-Leaf.jpg Copy of Location + Social https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1556762470788-LZ2W6Q9Z7F7M0TQAAJRG/BATP_Credit%2BMatt%2BTalarico%2B-%2BImpact%2BMedia%2BLab-93.jpg Copy of Location + Social https://www.sudinglab.org/about-us-1 daily 0.75 2020-09-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1559166964887-NHNO2WCWMO2YWDX1M2QA/IMG_2123.jpg About (Copy) Lab Retreat, Mount Evans 2018: Isabel Schroeter, Ashley Whipple, Katie Suding, Laurel Brigham, Claire Karban, Katie Ebinger, Tom Merchant, Nancy Shackelford, Julie Larson, Cliff Bueno de Mesquita. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1559160215262-R8UGQAPGLEFGPYE9BI7W/IML-BATP-03925.jpg About (Copy) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1556321242676-V6FDSWMWOMVF5CST0ZKU/image-asset.jpeg About (Copy) - Niwot Ridge Long-term Ecology Project (Copy) The Niwot Ridge LTER program (NWT) is a 40+ year study of mountain ecosystems in the Colorado Rockies. Our mission is to understand how our complex mountain systems are changing and to illuminate the future of the many critical services these systems provide to all of us living downhill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1559168891820-UAEP9OO20BKPBTV6BDFK/IML-BATP-04068.jpg About (Copy) - Boulder Apple Tree Project (Copy) In the mid-1800s, there were thousands of unique varieties of apple trees in the United States, some of the most astounding diversity ever developed in a food crop. We are working to restore local apple cultivars on the Colorado Front Range, and in the process, train a new generation of community-engaged scientists. Credit: Matt Talarico/Media Impact Lab https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1559168986210-Y04TVN1O2MMD3OXSMJK5/image-asset.jpeg About (Copy) - Mountain Riparian Restoration Project (Copy) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1559168852156-D5BACM8MYTV4QUJ6PC5L/image-asset.jpeg About (Copy) - Grassland Diversity Project (Copy) https://www.sudinglab.org/new-page-2 daily 0.75 2020-09-18 https://www.sudinglab.org/new-page-3 daily 0.75 2021-04-23 https://www.sudinglab.org/fuels daily 0.75 2024-07-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/c30969dc-7343-4a9c-8ec3-b244b38a00e6/IMG_7097.jpg Collaborative Research on Grassland Fuels and Management https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/eab4902b-587f-4bac-81d1-2b7527ab1df3/IMG_7146.jpg Collaborative Research on Grassland Fuels and Management https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/7403093d-d439-41e9-9950-371dcc6403ce/IMG_7234.jpg Collaborative Research on Grassland Fuels and Management https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/0b880fe8-e9f8-41de-9b3d-285059038a8d/IMG_6942.jpg Collaborative Research on Grassland Fuels and Management - objective 1 We are surveying grassland fuels using an extensive network of permanent monitoring plots where we are measuring biomass accumulation, plant community composition, and soil characteristics to better understand how grassland fuels vary across space, through time, and under different environmental contexts. We are measuring all the characteristics needed to modify fuel models for fire behavior modeling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/9ad44918-8f10-4742-93d3-01de38e6f99e/IMG_7651.jpg Collaborative Research on Grassland Fuels and Management - objective 2 We are testing three potential fuel management methods that are being considered by land managers. We will impose grazing, mowing, and prescribed fire treatments, along with control plots at eight locations to see how these interventions affect fuel accumulation and other critical grassland services like plant diversity, soil health, and water retention. We expect that grazing and prescribed fire will be the most sustainable actions that can reduce fuels at the appropriate times while maintaining or promoting grassland services. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/82652b6f-fc35-43b1-93b6-e024c9393467/IMG_7139.jpg Collaborative Research on Grassland Fuels and Management - objective 3 We are using what we learn from the first two objectives to inform fire behavior modeling and assess the extent to which fuels vs. topography and weather affect fire behavior. We will also test different fuel treatment scenarios to evaluate their effectiveness for reducing risk to the wildland urban interface. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1720703775977-MWXK9VGL0XF5XIST8TDH/download.jpg Collaborative Research on Grassland Fuels and Management https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1720703775336-1BXEG6V2POXHIXBA1APV/images.jpg Collaborative Research on Grassland Fuels and Management https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1722278646105-A0CVRB2AAUUG3RB4BLHJ/Open+Space.png Collaborative Research on Grassland Fuels and Management https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1720703774319-RPE9VGBE51R6QBGTY1RD/images+%282%29.jpg Collaborative Research on Grassland Fuels and Management https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1721688445119-IUQWU66X46GEC1GXOSIQ/Full+logo+PMS+208+%28burgundy%29.png Collaborative Research on Grassland Fuels and Management https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1720703772572-BS4SDGYEWABK1R4BZQSW/jfsp_logo_highres.png Collaborative Research on Grassland Fuels and Management https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1720703775125-5YBB43NMB4H8FYN1310A/images+%281%29.jpg Collaborative Research on Grassland Fuels and Management https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1720703772453-M662111JDI0OGR8BTR5U/images.png Collaborative Research on Grassland Fuels and Management https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1720703773349-JNRCKY1WTFJD9JVZ1K7U/images+%283%29.jpg Collaborative Research on Grassland Fuels and Management https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1720704557553-PHWBCU07BXCSHKJZUN4J/images+%284%29.jpg Collaborative Research on Grassland Fuels and Management https://www.sudinglab.org/bison daily 0.75 2026-01-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/329d7f73-72ad-4e4e-b374-6e33f26372e4/bryce-olsen-4Cu9-BA8QoA-unsplash.jpg bison - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/068dc322-4a86-48d7-abda-2859c59e8a8b/goutham-ganesh-sivanandam-FXiHwsskusY-unsplash.jpg bison - Bring Buffalo Back Advancing a co-stewardship model to Bring Back Bison to the land now known as Colorado: restoring culture, ecology and economies. Support current efforts of co-stewardship. Increase the number and capacity of new projects. Facilitate Indigenous-led restoration initiatives and co-management. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/d01a395a-5ca9-4f8e-bdce-fb5b728cdf33/andrew-james-lQA8GRqgczY-unsplash.jpg bison - Build Indigenous Capacity Elevate the agency and sovereignty of indigenous people—from students to community leaders—to engage in eco-cultural restoration of bison and lead future efforts. Renew and strengthen ties of the 48 tribal groups to the land now known as Colorado through bison reintroduction. Facilitate student involvement through collaborations with tribal colleges, indigenous student groups at CU and other Colorado learning institutions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/1f763d1f-1393-43b1-9f53-1023ba4e411a/helena-lopes-PGnqT0rXWLs-unsplash.jpg bison - Grow a Knowledge Network Eco-cultural restoration involves varied models of cultural engagement, ecological outcomes, and economic development. Knowledge sharing across current restoration projects in Colorado. Re-envisioning and elevating possible solutions, learning from projects across North America. Evolving ideas to new pathways of restoration futures https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/113b563a-0d50-423a-90b8-4a373e1d92dc/DroughtNet.jpg bison - Celebrate Multiple Forms of Knowledge Adopt an ethical space that brings together Western Science and Indigenous Knowledge about eco-cultural restoration. Demonstrate the value of applying Indigenous methods of inquiry to identify complex multi-dimensional solutions in sustainability. Elevate the network by collaborative learning across knowledge holders https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/7fa396a8-e835-40af-b5d7-5c0cea473625/CUBuffs.jpg bison - Sustainable Future of the Herd Re-envision CU’s relationship with the buffalo—evolving from a celebrated mascot to a living symbol of the University’s commitment to ecological restoration, Indigenous partnership, and sustainable futures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/883a0497-64be-4296-8609-dd3d3ae5f863/Suding.webp bison - Katharine Suding Katharine.Suding@Colorado.edu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/76cac024-65cf-4d6a-bedc-6a9c17596a92/RattlingLeaf.jpg bison - James Rattling Leaf James.RattlingLeaf@Colorado.edu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/66f5acef-04c2-41cb-8131-44b8435716c8/IMG_5687.jpg bison - Sam Ahler Sam.Ahler@Colorado.edu https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cb7ab44a09a7e7d364d3601/3e22b0c3-6913-4801-94f3-81864faefae8/20250717+Gesit+Sanchez+Profile+Sunny+Headshot.jpg bison - Hunter Geist-Sanchez Hunter.Geist-Sanchez@Colorado.edu