The Rimrock Report
THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA,
SCHOOL OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND THE ENVIRONMENT
October 2012
Volume 5, Issue 4
NRCWAY 2012 Outstanding Student
The lead article for our last issue of the Rimrock report was about “range camp”. You
may recall that I bragged a lot in that article about the quality of students we have that
attend such camps sponsored by SRM around the west, and especially about our
students right here in Arizona. After helping to judge the workbooks and journals at
NRCWAY this year, I thought you might enjoy reading what one of our young ladies
put into words about her time at camp.
Inside this issue:
NRCWAY 2012
Outstanding Student
2-4
Phenology Research
and Observations of
Southwest Ecosystems
(PROSE) Symposium
5
Research Insights in
Semiarid Ecosystems
(RISE) Symposium
5
Plant of the “week”
6-7
Using & Interpreting
Rangeland Monitoring
Data Workshop
7
Monday, June 25, 2012
The View From the Rim
8
Entering camp, I was excited by the
looks of interest on the faces of all of
the camper’s and staff. I was also
warmed by the friendliness of everyone
and the warm welcomes that I received.
In my cabin I met Kaitlyn, and we
talked about a 4-H and camp. Later I
met Brianna, Esmeralda, and Sarah,
with whom I instantly bonded. As we
played challenge games, I met and
conversed with most of the campers while learning to strategize and trust others all
under the beautiful pines and clear blue sky. I was again amazed by the interest of
everyone and their positive, friendly attitudes. Afterwards as we participated in field
games I built camaraderie with fellow campers and enjoyed the truly gorgeous climate.
Later, during the ology Olympics I was enlightened by the vast spread of science
studies and was able to practice my own skills and knowledge. It was very interesting
to see what I had retained through 4-H, FFA, biology classes, and my own personal
experiences and research. I loved it, especially the seeds and scat presentations, for
Just Me Talking
8
This is the journal written as part of the NRCWAY experience for our 2012
Outstanding Student award winner, Nicole Van Eerd. Nicole is high school sophmore
from Queen Creek, Arizona.
Natural Resources Conservation Workshop for Arizona Youth
June 25-29, 2012
“I realized
that I wanted
a career in
natural
sciences...”
The Rimrock Report
NRCWAY 2012 Outstanding Student ….continued
they included the areas of my passion. Meanwhile I grew
close to my small group, meeting Preston, Sarah, Derrick,
David, and Rachel. As the day closed, I reflected with joy
on what had passed during the time spent at camp. Although
it was only a few short hours, I learned about the impacts of
invasive species such as the thistle, I learned trust and team
building through the challenges, and I learned the studies of
science, the properties of water and soil, seed dispersal, and
the information that can be obtained from scat. Also,
through personal observation, I saw the beauty that is
achieved in a forest through careful conservation and respect.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
As I woke up in the morning and headed out on the birdwalk, I never imagined to learn so much about not
birds, but the entire forest as well. Yes, I saw multiple striking birds, however I also learned the how every
organism has a role in the environment and must therefore be allowed to go about its ways. For example,
mistletoe may be parasitic to oak and pine trees, however it is an important food source for birds and
squirrels. Dead trees may be a fire hazard and use space needed by other living trees, however they are vital
homes and perches for birds, insects, and small mammals, even creating their own small ecosystem. I also
learned even more about the importance and danger of fire through the examples of how too much fire and
fire-related damage is harmful to the endangered goshawk while it is vital for some woodpeckers who need
the burned trees. After these key lessons and beautiful birds, the ecology workshop revealed to me how every
organism is essential in its environment and as a conservationist it is my job to insure that humans are aware
of this key aspect to conserve the health of the environment. Throughout the other workshops, I learned how
insects are a base for all life and are essential in every ecosystem except Antarctica and the ocean. I also
discovered how vital it is to be prepared when hiking and camping and how many items are necessary. I
really enjoyed learning the Leave no Trace concept and how important it is to conserve our national forests
and ecosystems through seven key steps. I feel that respecting wildlife is the most important of these steps for
the forests and other environments that we enjoy are the plants and animals homes. Many of them cannot live
anywhere else and they were present first, leaving it our job to respect them and insure their well-being. After
lunch, the other workshops instructed me on how soil impacts plant growth and animals and how you can
texture it to gain information necessary for any practices that depend on the soil. I also learned how to
classify plants and how they influence the environment. At the water conservation workshop I was shocked
by how large of an issue water is and how large of an impact is has, as well as water conservation’s impact. I
did not realize that many were left without enough water because the people before them wasted it. I feel like
I finally understand the importance of water conservation and my duty to express it to others so that a
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Volume 5, Issue 4
NRCWAY 2012 Outstanding Student….continued
solution can be reached and water can become a precious resource that everyone has access to. During free
time I enjoyed the company of other campers while taking in the uniqueness of a pond ecosystem. Finally,
during the service activity and group project I again realized the beauty of the surrounding forest and how
essential conservation truly is for losing the beautiful forests would be a devastating loss that would be
difficult, if not impossible, to recover from.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Waking up early to the cries of coyotes, I realized and appreciated how the forest carefully nurtures and
supports incredible wildlife when left in its natural state. As I progressed on the day’s birdwalk, I saw
numerous birds and was blessed to experience the black chinned hummingbird’s unique mating dance. I once
again realized how wildlife has its own patterns and cycles and that I must protect these treasures. Later
during the service project as my group inspected the turkey guzzler and the watershed dam, I noticed how
caring individuals can come together as a team to conserve resources in ways such as storing rainwater for
wildlife and creating river dams to prevent soil erosion. I also learned about the reintroduction of turkeys and
how important it is to be sure that all the needs of an animal are met. During the workshops I learned how
rain and clouds occur and how climate is controlled and measured as a whole. This is important for without
understanding the climate and being prepared for the upcoming weather people can be seriously affected by
climatical changes and ecosystems can be harmed. Later the fisheries workshop explained how all little
things are connected and how an invasive species introduced by selfishness can destroy this balanced and
beautiful cycle, damaging native populations and the ecosystem as a whole. Furthermore, in conservation of
native species, conservationists cannot rush to conclusions shown by the example of how the removal of
cattle in hopes to save native fish populations actually corresponded with a decrease in the populations that
conservationists were trying to increase. Later as we worked on our group project and as I spent my free time
fishing, I closely examined the freshwater ecosystems and thought about how every piece was linked
together and how fish and aquatic insects require specific dissolved oxygen levels and temperatures. I
realized the importance of a balanced ecosystem and how if one thing is not conserved and becomes scarce,
or disappears completely, the whole ecosystem could fail. Later, as we learned
about topography maps, I learned skills that will not only greatly assist me in my
wildlife CDE for FFA, but are also important and useful for hiking, camping, or
any time that I may need a map especially in my desired career as a wildlife
biologist. Topography maps also assist with accurate communication for with a
knowledge of how to read and find locations on them I can communicate with
someone else about the same place without having to know the names of
surrounding roads and features. It is an extremely useful skill that would benefit
everyone.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Waking up excited for the hike, I thought about the surrounding woods. As I
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The Rimrock Report
NRCWAY 2012 Outstanding Student ….continued
prepared my pack, I pondered how terrible it would be to lose the streams, trees, birds, rocks, wildlife, and all
of the unique aspects that make up an ecosystem. When we started on our hike, I was comforted by the wind
and the trees, and I knew that I wanted to work hard to conserve these precious places through my own
actions educating others. Throughout the hike, I learned how plants work together through mutualism,
demonstrated by the Canyon Grape growing on the Ponderosa Pine. I also learned about, and saw the effect
that grazing cattle have on the grasses near creeks. I never knew that the grasses were necessary to prevent
water damage and flooding as well as conserve the water, and that cattle’s consumption of them endangers the
ecosystem. However, our trail guide told us the methods that cattle ranchers and conservationists use to
minimize the effects of cattle as well as deer and elk. I found it interesting how fencing schedules not only
saved the grasses, but also provided nutritious feeding for the cattle when the grasses died away and cattle are
allowed to graze. At the turning point of the hike, a collection of quaking aspens not usually found on Mingus
Mountain revealed a nearby water source and cooler temperatures resulting from the northern slope that the
trees were growing on. This interesting find intrigued me by how a simple geographical change allowed
different plants to coexist in an environment. After the hike, fishing during free time brought new lessons. My
friend Sarah caught her first fish; however it had swallowed the entire hook and lure, and they had become
lodged in its stomach. This common outcome brought a new realization on the importance of a single life as
we struggled to remove the hook and conserve the fish’s health. I realized that while responsible fishing is not
usually a problem, we must remember that we are not only disturbing animals’ peaceful existence and
possibly ending their life, we are also removing a vital piece in the make-up of an ecosystem. Finally, at the
close of the day while we finished our group projects, I continued to develop my teamwork skills seeing how
important it is to be a leader as well as a listener and follower. I also visualized each ology and how essential
science is in every aspect of our everyday lives. Through our pictures, I saw how science is all around us and
all fits together like a puzzle.
Friday, June 29, 2012
The end of the week commenced my amazing experience at camp, but not the vital
knowledge that I learned. We woke up and shared our last breakfast together, than
packed up our bags. Family arrived as each group presented their ology project,
and I was moved as I saw how other teenagers were also passionate about the
amazing natural world and wanted to work hard to preserve it. As awards were
presented and final goodbyes given, I knew that I would do everything that I could
to return next year. Furthermore, I would do everything that I could to preserve the
natural beauties of our world not only through my actions and educating others,
but also through my time and gifts. I realized that I wanted a career in natural
sciences so that I would always be able to be one with nature and help work to
save it, each and every day. And maybe, one day, I would be able to come back to
the amazing Natural Resources Conservation Workshop for Arizona Youth as an adult and help teach Arizona
youth about the amazing natural beauties that surround and make up their lives.
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Volume 5, Issue 4
Phenology Research and Observations of Southwest Ecosystems (PROSE)
Symposium
Friday October 12, 2012. Program starts at 8:30 AM (onsite registration 8:00 AM), ends at 5:00 PM
Location:
Catalina Conference Room (Room 253)
USGS Environment and Natural Resources Building (ENRB)
520 N. Park Ave., Tucson, AZ
Located at the NE Corner of Park and Sixth, University of Arizona Campus
Dr. Susan Moran will deliver the Keynote: "Response of Southwestern Grasslands to Precipitation
and Temperature Extremes of the Early 21st Century Drought"
http://www.snr.arizona.edu/node/2045
Research Insights in Semiarid Ecosystems (RISE) Symposium
Saturday, 13 October 2012, 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM
Location:
University of Arizona Marley Auditorium (Room 230), Tucson, Arizona
The ninth annual Research Insights in Semiarid Ecosystems (RISE) Symposium will feature invited speakers presenting
recent research on the USDA-ARS Walnut Gulch Experimental Watershed, University of Arizona Santa Rita Experimental Range and other outdoor laboratories. There will also be a poster session where students and researchers are
encouraged to report on completed or in-progress studies. Time will be available for questions from the audience.
Student Poster Contest Awards:
Through a generous contribution from long-time supporter Mr. Malcolm McGregor, for the first time in RISE history we
are able to grant awards for outstanding student posters. A single poster award will be granted in each of the following
categories: Best Graduate Student Poster ($500), Honorable Mention Graduate Student Poster ($100), Best Undergraduate Student Poster ($300), Honorable Mention Undergraduate Student Poster ($100). To qualify for a poster award, the
work presented on the poster must have been conducted in or have used data from the Walnut Gulch Experimental Watershed (WGEW), the Santa Rita Experimental Range (SRER), or both. Entry to the contest appears in the registration
process for the symposium.
Registration: $10 for students; $25 for all others (lunch included)
The deadline for registration (as a courtesy for catering plans) is 08 October 2012. Late registrations will be accepted at
the Symposium site from 8:00 to 9:00 AM.
Submission deadline for poster presentation is 28 September 2012. Note: Space may be limited; if this is the case, priority will be based on order of abstract submission.
Continuing Education Units will be awarded from the Society for Range Management Certified Professional Rangeland
Managers.
Please use the web site http://www.tucson.ars.ag.gov/rise/ to view the RISE program, to register for the symposium, and
to submit poster abstracts.
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The Rimrock Report
Plant of the “week” by Guest Writer Joy Inman, MA – Master Gardener
Silverleaf Nightshade
Perhaps in response to the heavy rains this past July
and August in the Verde Valley, silverleaf nightshade
(Solanum elaeagnifolium) is growing abundantly in
many disturbed areas near my home in Cottonwood. It
is a visually attractive plant, especially in large clusters.
This nightshade, as its name implies, has silvery hairs
covering the leaves and small but abundant spines on
the stem. The flower has fused lavender to purple
petals with striking yellow stamens in the center, and it
produces a fruit that is a yellow berry about ½” in
diameter. This is a perennial herbaceous plant that
spreads readily by seeds as well as root and rootstock
sprouting. I’m always amazed at how many of these
sprout in my yard, especially on a warm day after a rain – removing them is a daily task.
Silverleaf nightshade can be found in many roadsides and fields at elevations of 1,000 to 5,500 feet, blooming
between May and October. It grows throughout the Southwest, as well as in other parts of the country and of
the world. This plant is a poisonous weed (to both
cattle and humans), as are many plants in the
nightshade family (Solanaceae). However, some birds
feed on the fruit, and hence spread the plant by seeds.
Poisoning occurs primarily when animals are confined
in overgrazed fields or where this plant is abundant.
Generally, the leaves and green fruits are toxic. The
green berries can produce severe intestinal, oral and
esophageal lesions in sheep. Cattle reportedly seek out
the berries of Solanum species and will eat the green
plant, especially when other green forage is
unavailable. With silverleaf nightshade, the ripe fruit is
more toxic than the green, being toxic at only 0.1% of
the animal’s body weight. Toxicity may vary with the soil, climate and other variables.
Controlling this plant is not easy because of the various ways it spreads. Mechanical control is what I use,
pulling the newly-sprouted plants out of the ground and getting as much of the rootstock as possible. If you
are pulling mature plants, it’s not as easy to get all the rootstock, and the plant may resprout; digging them out
may be a better approach. However, this is not practical for large areas. Mowing or clipping may be easier for
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Volume 5, Issue 4
large patches, but be aware that the plant will probably resprout.
Silverleaf nightshade is also difficult to control with herbicides
because of its root system. Growing a cover crop that provides
heavy shade seems to help limit this plant’s spread (I noticed a
lot of new plants when I removed some mesquite overstory).
The most promising biological control method seems to be a
foliar nematode, Orrina phyllobia, which causes leaf and stem
galling.
References:
Plants of Arizona. Anne Orth Epple, 1995, Globe Pequot Press. Page 222.
Veterinary Medicine Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign http://www.library.uiuc.edu/vex/toxic/nightsha/
nightsh.htm#distribution
Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board. December, 1999. http://www.nwcb.wa.gov/detail.asp?weed=123
Yavapai County Cooperative Extension, University of Arizona. http://cals.arizona.edu/yavapaiplants/SpeciesDetailForb.php?
genus=Solanum&species=elaeagnifolium
Using and Interpreting Rangeland Monitoring Data
October 26, 2012
Besh Ba Gowah, Globe
Workshop topics include:









Data Needed for NEPA to Build a Proposed Action
Sampling Variability
Yes, You Can Understand Statistics
Using Monitoring Data to Assist in Adaptive Management: A Rancher's
Perspective
Tools to Interpret Data Sets: Application with 2 Real Life Data Sets on the Tonto NF
Using Monitoring Data for Conservation Planning
Good and Bad Data Interpretation Examples
Your Turn for Data Interpretation: 4 Real Life Case Studies by 4 Groups
Instructions
Case Study Group Exercises
Group Reports: Our Interpretation of this Data Set and What We Would Do With It
Contact Jim Sprinkle for registration and more information
Phone: (928) 474-4160 email: sprinkle@ag.arizona.edu
Page 7
The view from the Rim
Here are a couple excerpts from poems by a western classic, Bruce Kiskaddon who spent a little time in Mohave
County Arizona.
from “Movin' to Winter Range” 1935
from “Rain” 1947
Way up along the mountain side and up on the mesas high.
You watch the silent shadows glide as the clowds go driftin' by.
The leaves on the brush turns red and brown. It's fall up there you know
And it's time to bring the cattle down, it won't be long till snow.
It's sumpthin' a feller caint hardly explain
The way that a cowpuncher feels about rain.
It makes the feed grow and it fills up the tanks,
And generally speakin' he'd orta give thanks.
Phone: 928-554-8991
Fax: 928-554-8996
Cell: 928-821-3222
E-mail: dougt@cals.arizona.edu
Web: http://cals.arizona.edu/aes/vbarv/
Note: Please email me if you would like to be added to the
“mailing” list for this newsletter.
The University of Arizona
School of Natural Resources and the Environment
V Bar V Ranch
2830 N. Commonwealth Drive Suite 103
Camp Verde, AZ 86322
Just me talking...
Ok, so no video this time. But I have actually been in a lot of video recently, working on a distance class called
“Near infrared spectroscopy in agriculture and natural resources” that is a collaborative effort between the U of A,
TX A&M and the Agricultural University in Mali. Hopefully the political situation in Mali will straighten out and
they will eventually get to use the class materials. We are still in the process of hiring people to work in the range
program here at the ranch and for the cooperative monitoring project with BLM in Kingman and the Arizona Strip.
Otherwise that project is running along and should get cranked up in full swing this fall. I am looking forward to getting out and
doing some monitoring on a few ranches in northern Arizona in the next couple weeks. I like getting on the ground and seeing who
got rain when and how it played out in grass, tank water, cow condition, etc… There are plenty of good extension education
opportunities around the state this fall. By the time you read this we may be in the middle of a monitoring workshop in Flagstaff and
we are trying to nail down the date for a plant ID/range monitoring field day for the Rim Grass Range Group here on the southern
end of the Coconino NF in late October/early November. Jim Sprinkle also has his Range Livestock Nutrition clinics scheduled for
Wilcox (Dec 6), and Payson (Dec 7). In addition, Jim has an event called “Using and Interpreting Rangeland Monitoring Data” (Oct
26) in Globe that sounds like it will be really useful. We should be wrapping up another year of sampling at the ranch on our fecal
NIRS to determine pregnancy study in a few weeks. Thanks to our ranch intern, Francis Vd Merwe from South Africa, for helping
to get a lot of that work done this year. Several of us have spent time up on the Kaibab plateau this year collecting mule deer pellets
to determine diet quality. That study is ongoing. I enjoyed going out to Springerville last week and helping George Ruyle and others
collect range data on areas burned by the Wallow Fire last year. The country was a little drier than they would like, but I thought
looked pretty good overall. I made use of the opportunity to do a little fly fishing while I was there. The river was low, only had 3
strikes, and only almost got one to the bank… so I guess that still counts as getting skunked. I did much better with smallmouth in
West Clear Creek this summer. Have been doing a little dove hunting this fall…
with a 410. I sent the boys off to school with my 12 and 20 gauge. Looking forward
to quail season. Should be good exercise, this picture shows what kind of country
quail are in around here. Football season has been fun - so far - for this die hard
Texas Aggie. I like the U of A’s copper helmets. They are a nice classy entry into
the fad of spicing up the uniforms by college teams. Hopefully though there won’t
be any neon saguaros or wildcat fur on our jerseys in Tucson.
Till next time,
Doug
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