In August, Emily Palmquist, a PhD student in the Ecological Synthesis Lab, organized and led data collection efforts along the Colorado River in Grand Canyon. Data regarding the plant species present, their overall cover, and associated environmental variables were collected at random locations along river. This intensive sampling utilizes 5 oar boats and 17 people, many of whom are volunteers. These data will be analyzed in a Bayesian framework to better understand how dam operations influence the composition and cover of riparian plants in Glen, Marble, and Grand Canyons. This was Emily’s 11th data collection trip in Grand Canyon (her 6th for this specific data set).
