Two pinyon jays perch at the top of a piñon pine near Topaz Lake in 2024.
Robin Eppard | Western Nevada College
Western Nevada College students have published their research on
the pinyon jay and its habitat near Topaz Lake.
Over the past two years, Liberal Arts and Science Instructor Robin Eppard oversaw 11 students in their.
"Collectively, I believe this project contributed to our understanding of the limits of the ecosystem utilized by the pinyon jay," Eppard said.
Participating students included Elijah Smith, Nathan Boyd, Hailey Wagstaff, Maile Pierson, Vincent Dao, Gabriella Piceno, Tanner Morgan, Esmay Harger, Ashley Ambriz, Nandana Praveen and William Pickard.
This study at Wild Oat Mountain included the Geographic Information System, topography, dendrology, soils, microbiome, pathogens, vegetation, organisms, taxonomy, ecology and land use.
The WNC baseline study provided field and laboratory opportunities for these students in addition to data management, experience preparing posters, presentations and generating s Story Map.
Visit https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/ea7cea4687724281a8a55d4fceae4020 to review the students’ research.
The study is featured in the Carson Valley Almanac due out on Saturday.