Conserving Central Grasslands and Keystone Species

North America’s Central Grasslands are among the most endangered ecosystems in the world. They face a suite of conservation challenges associated with habitat loss, transformation, and fragmentation. Learn more in this Science Spotlight, featuring Ana Davidson from new NC CASC consortium partner, Colorado State University.

Upcoming Webinar: Dreams from the Anthropocene

Our next webinar is on Thursday, December 12, from 11 AM - 12 PM MT. Hear from Robin Hextrum, an artist and environmentalist, about the role of art in processing and raising awareness about the impacts of climate change.

Webinar Recording Now Available

Although the lynx is designated a species of least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, it has been listed in the contiguous U.S. as a threatened distinct population segment (DPS) since 2000. Learn more about the threats that climate warming poses to this species.

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Robin Hextrum has been making paintings that address climate change since 2011. Throughout these years, her work has evolved in various ways, but it always returns to environmental concerns. Many of her paintings utilize a surrealist juxtaposition of incongruous elements to call attention to climate issues. For example, combining icebergs with opulent imagery from traditional Dutch paintings asks us to examine the historical legacy and environmental impacts of our ever-demanding needs for material wealth. And, her paintings of animals taking over prestigious human spaces like museums and palaces ask viewers to rethink the dominance of human centered narratives. We now live in a new geological epoch known as the “Anthropocene.” This period refers to the significant human impact on species extinction and the climate since 1950. It is difficult to comprehend this degree of harm and responsibility. Hextrum believes art provides a valuable platform for processing the existential threat of climate change that can be both healing and transformative in its call to action.

Sagebrush Workshop Report now available

On August 20-21, 2024, sagebrush experts and partners joined the NC CASC for a workshop in Boulder, Colorado. Read the workshop report to learn more about objectives and outcomes!

Jeff Martin of South Dakota State University (NC CASC Consortium Partner) highlighted in press release

Jeff Martin is leading South Dakota State University’s involvement with the NC CASC/USGS in our recently-renewed cooperative agreement - read more about his work in SDSU's recent press release.

Redefining how Western researchers work with Indigenous peoples

Ethical space is a framework of engagement between Western science and traditional knowledge. Sitting down with CU Boulder Today, NC CASC's James Rattling Leaf, Sr. is excited about the university's steps toward working with Indigenous peoples.

New publication summarizes incorporation of Indigenous Knowledge into climate adaptation planning

Following the Ute Mountain Ute (UMU) Tribe's development of a Climate Action Plan, the NC CASC funded a project to further support the Tribe in planning for a changing climate. We initiated the partnership with a climate adaptation training in 2021.

New Publication Available - Drought Vulnerability Assessments

A new publication is now out on Ecosphere, an ESA open access journal, with NC CASC co-authors Shelley Crausbay, Molly Cross, and Imtiaz Rangwala.