Southwest Experimental Garden Array (SEGA) · Garden Array (SEGA) Promoting research on climate change with emphasis on gene by environment interactions and mitigation of impacts

Southwest Experimental Garden Array (SEGA)

Promoting research on climate change with emphasis on gene by environment interactions and mitigation of

impacts

A.V. WhippleDepartment of Biological Sciences and Merriam-Powell Center of Environmental

Research, Northern Arizona University

http://www.sega.nau.edu/

Experimental Gardens

Distinguishing genetic and environmental effects

Photo by Tom Whitham

Manipulation of climatic conditions

Ten Primary Garden Sites 

All Sites:• High quality weather station• Wisard‐based soil moisture and temperature• Phenocam• Site server • Water tank, pump, etc• Fence

Other Equipment:• Field gear, tools• On campus data servers• Plant physiology equipment• Ecosystem instrumentation• Molecular genetics laboratory

Additional site data:

• Phenocams

• Water chemistry

• Soil profiles

• Plant composition

• Ground dwelling beetle survey

Soil Profile Characterization by NRCS

Collaboration with other networks?

• Microclimate• Phenocams

Irrigation Control

Greenhouse test of soil moisture‐based actuation of irrigation valves

Projects at SEGA• At least 4 Macrosystems Biology grants using the sites and equipment

• Multi‐garden plantings to surveys to climate data use

• Trees to grasses to lizards

• NAU to Max Plank

Managed Relocation for Climate Change Mitigation

Hope to work with q new NSF‐funded effort led by PI Marissa Basket at UC Davis:

‘A framework for species conservation by managed relocation: quantifying risks, uncertainties, and alternatives.’

Whitham GroupQuantification of Performance of SourcesAcross Environments

Overlapping interests with managers:

• Invasive species• Native grass• Rare species• Ponderosa and fire• Food for wildlife, prairie dogs, golden eagles

• Climate‐vegetation relationships

Outreach and Education Opportunities

“The highlight of the whole trip was 

interacting with young dedicated scientists"

“I’ve never been this close to a research project before. I’m impressed by the rigor and 

the discipline that the scientists are bringing to this 

effort.” 

• Direct engagement with land managers

• Arboretum kiosks and educational materials

• Volunteer trips and high school involvement

• Online weather and phenocams

Research Partnerships with Tribal CollegesFunding has resulted in the establishment of a weather station and common garden with automated watering

Award No. 1126840

Tom Whitham, Paul Flikkema, Paul Heinrich, Kris Haskins, Paul Dijkstra, George Koch, Sam Cushman, Diane Hope, Ella Stephens, JD Knapp, 

Catherine Gehring, Barry Sinervo, Laurel Fox, Susan Mazer, Aaron Ellison