Name: Why are the Junipers Dying? by Science Moab
Duration: 21 min 2 s
Description: When it comes to arid climates, junipers are some of the toughest trees around. But in the past two years, southeastern Utah has seen huge swathes of them die off. In this episode, Steven Kannenberg, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Utah, explains why so many junipers are struggling to survive.

Your Nerdy Valentines

Meet Flora Lichtman

Dr. Karletta Chief, Director of the Indigenous Resilience Center at the University of Arizona, leads initiatives for Tribal water security and community-driven climate solutions. Dr. Chief, a Diné hydrologist and professor, shares how growing up in Black Mesa on the Navajo Nation has influenced her current work. She emphasizes the importance of utilizing traditional knowledge alongside western science, and ensuring Indigenous communities’ central role in decision-making. We learn about the powerful mission of the Indigenous Resilience Center, and Dr. Chief shares her hopes for empowering the next generation of Indigenous youth to lead and innovate in their communities.


Water, Land, and Identity

Your Butterfly Memories

Charlie Carpenter, a Braided Science Conservationist with IndigenousLed, discusses their work focused on reintroducing buffalo to Indigenous lands. The process of buffalo reintroduction includes land suitability assessments, political hurdles, and funding challenges. The initiative aims to restore buffalo, a keystone species, to their native habitats, benefiting both Indigenous cultures and ecosystems. Charlie highlights the importance of braided science, which integrates traditional ecological knowledge with Western science. We also talk about other upcoming projects including medicinal gardens and intertribal beaver councils.


Return of the Buffalo

It is the mission of the U.S. Geological Survey to monitor water resources across the country.   We talk with Chris Wilkowske, a hydrologist with the USGS at the Utah Water Science Center, about the science and methodology of measuring stream flow. We talk about how stream gauges operate and the process of validating and adjusting data, particularly after events like floods. Local examples from the Moab area and the Colorado River highlight the dual purposes of stream gauges for flood monitoring and groundwater assessments. 


Monitoring Stream Flow

Caller Question: Seasonal Allergies

When it comes to arid climates, junipers are some of the toughest trees around. But in the past two years, southeastern Utah has seen huge swathes of them die off. In this episode, Steven Kannenberg, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Utah, explains why so many junipers are struggling to survive.

Why are the Junipers Dying?

A podcast exploring the science and learning about the scientists from southeast Utah and the Colorado Plateau. Produced by Science Moab, KZMU, and USU Extension

Why are the Junipers Dying?

Science Moab

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