News & Events

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Jennifer Marlow (J.D.) has received funding to develop a standardized sampling framework for tire-derived pollution that poses a risk to coho salmon in Humboldt Bay and surrounding watersheds. Working with regional partners, the project will establish consistent methods for collecting and analyzing data on 6PPD-q, a toxic chemical from tires that has been linked to mass mortality in coho salmon. The framework will strengthen regional monitoring efforts while supporting the protection of cultural resources and Tribal foodways. Funding comes from the Rose Foundation.

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Dr. Kerry Byrne has received funding to study how extreme drought affects forage quality and productivity in California rangelands. Working as part of a multi-campus collaboration, Byrne and her students established experimental drought plots in Humboldt County and will collect data on plant communities, forage production, and soil conditions. The project will help improve understanding of how drought may affect livestock forage and inform strategies for managing and restoring drought-resilient rangelands. Funding comes as a sub-award from CSU Chico, with primary funding from the CSU Agricultural Research Institute.

Dr. Matt Johnson has received funding to support long-term bird monitoring, undergraduate training opportunities, and the launch of the Humboldt Ornithology Collective (HOC), a partnership involving Cal Poly Humboldt, the Humboldt Area Foundation, the Integral Ecology Research Center, and the Klamath Bird Observatory. The project will sustain bird banding operations at the Wright Refuge in Eureka while expanding hands-on ornithology training for undergraduate students with little or no prior research experience. The effort also supports revival of the Humboldt Bay Bird Observatory near Lanphere Dunes. Funding comes from the Humboldt Area Foundation.

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Dr. Barbara Clucas and Ryan Matilton (Wildlife masters graduate) have received a grant through the Research and Creative Projects for Equity and Justice (RCPEJ) program. The project will investigate bat diversity and activity along the Klamath River following recent dam removals, contributing to understanding how these changes affect biodiversity. The research will provide important post-dam removal ecological data while also engaging local high school students participating through Humboldt Indian Education Programs. 

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The Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center has received continued funding to enhance aquatic programs and safety education. This annual award provides funding for scholarships, equipment, staff training, program support, and participation in National Safe Boating Week. The funding helps sustain boating safety education and recreational programming while supporting community engagement at the Humboldt Bay Aquatic Center. Funding comes from the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Boating and Waterways.