Sarah Garza

Expertise & Research Interests:

• Quantitative Analysis of Wildlife Population Movement
• Wildlife Ecology

Publications:
Garza, S & S. Bratton. 2008. Impact of Ligustrum lucidum on Leaf Morphology, Chlorophyll, and Flower Morphology of White Trout Lily (Erythronium albidium) in Cameron Park. The Pulse. Baylor University, Texas.

Thesis Title: Ecological characteristics of artesian wells in the great sand dunes ecosystem, Colorado: Impacts of disturbance on small mammals and plants.

Thesis Abstract: The Great Sand Dunes National Monument was first established in 1932 to protect the unique ecosystem at the eastern slopes of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in south-central Colorado. In 2000 the National Monument was expanded into a National Park and Preserve to promote protection of the geological and hydrological resources of the area including the ground water system on which the sand dunes depend. Along with some 40,000 acres of wilderness formerly managed by the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) the National Park Service inherited a number of artificial artesian water wells that had been developed by private landowners as long as 100 years ago. These wells possess containment structures that over the years have leaked and established vegetation communities and associated wildlife in an otherwise arid landscape. The Park has capped some wells and has plans to close the remaining. Prior to closing these wells, there is a unique opportunity to understand changes in biodiversity. Subsequent to the ceasing of cattle grazing in 2005, these wells are exclusively utilized by large herds of ungulates such as bison and elk. To study the changes in ecological characteristics in this unique, arid environment I will compare small mammal and plant biodiversity within areas surrounding open, recently capped wells, and control sites containing no wells. Results from my study will provide the National Park Service and resource managers some of the first information about the ecological influences of artesian wells on biodiversity and will aid in future management decisions.