Carrizo Plain Ecosystem Project |
Carrizo Plain National Monument, CA
The Carrizo Plain Ecosystem Project called for the development and prototyping of experimental rain shelters in the Carrizo Plain National Monument (San Joaquin Valley). The rain shelters are 10 x 10 meters each; they collect and redistribute rainwater through an automated pump, solar station, and irrigation outlet to simulate climate change conditions and test changes in seasonal vegetation and endangered species populations. Systems were created by testing configurations of steel conduit pipe, custom-formed acrylic, water pumps, electrical wiring, and solar panels. The system was designed in a modular fashion to allow for annual installment, storage, and repair. The project is currently in its third year of testing with 12 experimental stations installed.
In collaboration with the Brashares Group (UC Berkeley) and Prugh Lab (University of Alaska).
In collaboration with the Brashares Group (UC Berkeley) and Prugh Lab (University of Alaska).