Science & Research

Overview

Laguna Foundation Scientific Research Program

Our scientific research program focuses on understanding the natural system fluctuations, basic ecosystem functions and the physical, chemical and biological parameters that define the Laguna watershed and its aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.  Research is conducted both by Foundation staff scientists and through partnerships with universities, colleges and local agencies. Our ‘place based’ approach allows us to bring together experts from many different backgrounds to collaborate in a multi-disciplinary program to gain a better understanding of the ecosystem processes and restoration and conservation challenges of the Laguna de Santa Rosa watershed.

Our scientific investigations inform restoration, conservation, education and stewardship programs and address the interface of the natural and human systems of this watershed.  In the context of long-term land stewardship we study the effectiveness of restoration projects over time, and initiate studies evaluating effective management strategies aimed at the long-term preservation of Laguna ecosystems, and the capacity of natural systems to sustain long-term human contact. Through current and long-term physical and biological data collection in the watershed we will be able to base our restoration & stewardship programs and public policy positions on the most current scientific knowledge.

We are building a Laguna Ecosystem Database where we gather and store all available pertinent historic and cutting edge data on the Laguna watershed for comprehensive and easy access. We are also developing a citizen science baseline assessment program, where citizen volunteers can get involved to help gather the baseline data necessary to adequately assess the natural state of our watershed. Please contact Research Director, Dr. Christina Sloop at christina@lagunafoundation.org for more information.

After our first Laguna Science Symposium in March 2007 (for 2007 proceedings click link) we will hold biennial Laguna science conferences to highlight current scientific studies in the watershed and to bring together regional and local scientists, restoration practitioners, land managers, stakeholders and the public. Each time we will present and discuss a Laguna Watershed Report Card, our track record of  research, restoration and conservation needs and progress in the watershed over time. This will help indicate our advancement toward increased ecological integrity in the Laguna.

Laguna Science Advisory Council
  • Dr. Michael Barbour, UC Davis
  • Stephen Barnhart, Pepperwood Preserve
  • Dr. Shawn Brumbaugh, SR Junior College
  • Denise Cadman, City of Santa Rosa
  • Dr. Caroline Christian, SSU
  • Dr. Mateo Clark, SSU
  • David Cook, Sonoma County Water Agency
  • Clayton Creager, North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board
  • Kit Crump, NOAA Fisheries
  • Dr. Heather Davis, SSU
  • Dr. Lorraine Flint, USGS
  • Karen Gaffney, Westcoast Watershed
  • Dr. Nick Geist, SSU
  • Dr. Mark Herzog, PRBO
  • Rebecca Lawton, Sonoma Ecology Center
  • David Lewis, UC Cooperative Extension
  • Stacy Martinelli, DFG
  • Dr. Lisa Micheli, Sonoma Ecology Center
  • Patrick Moeszinger, DFG
  • Dr. Christopher Potter, NASA/Ames
  • Dr. Nathan Rank, SSU
  • Dr. Edmund Smith, Bodega Marine Lab
  • Dr. Ayzik Solomeshch, UC Davis
  • Chuck Striplen, SFEI
  • Kate Symonds, FWS
  • Dr. Steven Talley, Consultant