Department of Environmental Science and Policy Content

Lake Tahoe Algae Experiment Suggests Seasonal Shifts Ahead

Katherine E Kerlin — October 06, 2025 - 9:06am

As the climate warms and nutrient inputs shift, algal communities in cool, clear mountain lakes like Lake Tahoe will likely experience seasonal changes, according to a study from the ɫ��ɫ.

Periphyton, that fuzzy layer of attached algae covering the rocks as you step into the water, is a healthy and critical part of a lake’s food web. Periphyton blooms, however, signal changes that can degrade both water quality and a shoreline’s natural beauty.

A New Record for California’s Highest Tree

Katherine E Kerlin — April 17, 2025 - 9:00am

A ɫ��ɫ professor's pleasure hike in the High Sierra turned into a new elevation record for California's highest tree, the Jeffrey pine, which wasn't formerly known to grow at extreme elevations.

Burning Question: How to Save an Old-Growth Forest in Tahoe

Katherine E Kerlin — March 03, 2025 - 9:02am

On the shores of Lake Tahoe at Emerald Bay State Park grows what some consider to be the most iconic old-growth forest in the Lake Tahoe Basin. Giant ponderosa pines — some of the last remaining in the area — share space with at least 13 other tree species.

Dining Out with San Francisco’s Coyotes

Katherine E Kerlin — January 22, 2025 - 5:45am

As their traditional dining options dwindle, the native coyotes of San Francisco are shifting what they eat. A ɫ��ɫ study reveals what's on the menu.

Carnivorous Squirrels Documented in California

Katherine E Kerlin — December 18, 2024 - 1:00am

California ground squirrels hunt, kill and eat voles, reveals a study by ɫ��ɫ and UW-Eau Claire, sharing the first evidence of widespread carnivorous behavior among squirrels.

The High Cost of Carbon

Katherine E Kerlin — December 17, 2024 - 11:05am

The social cost of carbon — an important figure used to analyze the benefits of climate policies — is too low, finds ɫ��ɫ study.

California a Botanical and Climate Change Hot Spot

Katherine E Kerlin — July 29, 2024 - 12:00pm

California's natural beauty and pioneering conservation efforts make it a test bed for protecting biodiversity in the face of climate change, says a ɫ��ɫ study in PNAS.

Wildfire Smoke Reached 99% of U.S. Lakes in 2019-2021

Katherine E Kerlin — June 07, 2024 - 9:00am

Where there's smoke, there's not always fire. Wildfire smoke drifted to nearly every lake in North America for at least one day per year from 2019 to 2021, found a ɫ��ɫ study.

Smoke Covered 70% of California During Biggest Wildfire Years

Katherine E Kerlin — May 22, 2024 - 9:32am

As much as 70% of California was covered by wildfire smoke during parts of 2020 and 2021, according to a ɫ��ɫ study.

Ecosystem Benefits to Humanity Expected to Decline by 9% by 2100

Katherine E Kerlin — December 18, 2023 - 8:00am

A ɫ��ɫ study of natural capital finds nature's benefits to humanity are expected to decline as climate change shifts ecosystems across borders.