Sap Flow Study for Washington Department of Ecology

Goals: Evaluate a novel methodological approach and determine the effect of tree size on sap flux density (velocity of water moving up tree trunk).

Methods: Empirical sampling, mixed modeling, Granier (1985) Sap Flux Measurement, Drought stress testing, Meteorological data, Forest inventory

Takeaways: Bigger trees move more water, not faster. Regardless of species, tree water use volume differs as a function of stem size. Previously, it was thought that only leaf area and soil moisture influenced the volume of transpiration. This conclusion means managers can model city-scale tree water use without measuring species-specific transpiration rates.

Broader Impacts: 1) The Department of Ecology updated stormwater permits to protect large, native trees from development. 2) I gave a workshop at Lakes High School in Steilacoom to teach students about field ecology and demonstrate the simplicity of our approach. 3) I facilitated three community workshops where we discussed trees and their water-related benefits in urban environments.

Skills: Project management, data analysis, technical writing, computational ecology, field ecology, urban ecology, community engagement, science communication, teaching/mentorship