Botany Division

In Service of Biodiversity

The Botany Division of the Watershed Research and Training Center’s Forestry and Fuels Program strives to promote ecosystem resiliency through increasing biodiversity of native species and reducing competition from noxious weeds.

Each summer season, the Botany Division employs 6-8 technicians for the field season. This Botany Crew work closely with the Botany Division Lead to ensure rare species are catalogued, invasive species are properly removed, and accurate mapping and data collection occurs for all priority species.

Two botany technicians survey a slope for rare plants. They wear hard hats, long-sleeved shirts, pants, and multi-pocket vests. One technician uses a hand lens to examine plants while lying on his stomach. Another sits holding a specimen.

What We Do

  • A six-petaled white flower with yellow pistils and maroon freckles fills the frame.

    Rare Plant Surveys

    Botany Technicians perform protocol level surveys to identify special status plant, lichen, and fungi species as well as map sensitive plant communities for both NEPA and CEQA projects. Crews document all plants observed on the site, map special status species extents or potential habitat, and assess potential impacts based on regulations and site specific characteristics.

  • Two botany technicians stand next to a massive pile of invasive Scotch broom that stands as tall as both of them. One holds a weed wrench, which is the tool they used to pull the shrubs out of the ground.

    Noxious Weed Treatment

    Our crews survey for and map noxious weed species, implement a wide range of treatment methods, and perform post-treatment seeding and mulching to promote native species revegetation. We use environmentally responsible methods to control invasive species, reduce the risk of new invasion, and promote the long-term ecological health of native vegetation.

  • Various forms of native flora fill the foreground of the image.

    Native Seed Collection

    Botany Crews collect locally adapted native seed for use during restoration and revegetation efforts, for seed bulking and grow out, or for long term storage. While primarily focused on perennial grasses, collections may also include species such as wetland forbs and upland shrubs based on project needs and direction from the grantor.

  • Three botany technicians move dirt, lay down a burlap weed screen, and prepare to add native seed to the ground.

    Revegetation

    Technicians provide meadow, riparian, and upland plantings to support habitat restoration and revegetation projects. Restoration and revegetation species are chosen based on factors such as prior local abundance, hardiness, ecological function, elevation, and genetic diversity.

  • Two botany technicians walk along a restored roadbed as sunlight filters through the trees and casts them partially in silhouette.

    Wetland Delineation

    Under the direction of an Army Corp of Engineers Wetland Delineation certified lead, technicians identify the presence and boundaries of wetlands by examining vegetation, soil, and hydrology. Crew members may assist in a full delineation or rapid meadow assessment to be used for future restoration as well as data collection and quality control for submission into regional wetland model development.

Join the team

Interested in a rewarding field season working in a global biodiversity hotspot? Every year we look for motivated individuals to join our summer field crews. If you enjoy working outdoors, contributing to meaningful conservation work, and being part of a tight-knit team, check out our current employment opportunities and consider applying.

CAREERS