SummaryThe BIODESERT survey is a global cooperative study coordinated by Dr. Fernando Maestre, and assigned to me by Dr. Lauchlan Fraser. It was developed in order to study drylands worldwide to assess their proper functioning under the dry conditions caused by climate change, and damage caused by grazing. Many challenges arose leading to modification of the original methods, and the extension of my project to complete analysis and shipping of samples. In the Lac du Bois grasslands of Kamloops, I completed vegetation, grazing, and soil/IEM surveys to gather data and characteristics of plants species, grazers, and soil present. Furthermore, the tea-bag index was completed to assess general ecosystem activity. This work experience revealed much to me about this career path, and I highly recommend students try research through the UREAP or equivalent award. This project required much time and work to complete, but wasvery fulfilling and taught me many lessons that I will use moving forward.
