Sharing the process and products of research in creative ways can increase the relevance and reach of scientific findings, inspire the next generation of ecologists and natural resource stewards, and simply remind all of us of the beauty of the natural world. This page is dedicated to our science communication doin’s.
11.2025 - We are thrilled that our Pocket Naturalist’s Guide is finally published! The Secrets in Rabbitbrush: Common Caterpillars and Other Insect Residents of a Foundational Western Plant is a folded laminated guide that describes 16 native Lepidopteran species, 6 parasitoids, and four gall-making insects that rely on rubber rabbitbrush. We are so excited this labor of love and natural history is finally complete. Guides will be available at Stokes Nature Center and at National Park, National Forest, and BLM offices in the Intermountain West, or click the thumbnail for a digital version. If you’d like one mailed to you, please email moria.robinson(at)usu.edu, and make a donation to the Canyonlands Natural History Association (CNHA) in an amount of your choosing. This project was funded with support from the CNHA and Utah Agricultural Extension Service, and features original artwork by Zillah Smith (www.zillahsmith.com), Ryan Stuart (graduate student) and Cadie Andrew (undergraduate student).
08.2025 - With support from the Berryman Institute at USU, we made a little factsheet called: What’s on that Plant? Hidden Residents of Utah Flora. Click the thumbnail to learn about a few common native insects on Rubber Rabbitbrush, Ericameria nauseosa, one of our most common and important native plants. This was a collaborative endeavor with USU undergraduate researcher (and artist) Cadie Andrew.
11.2024 - Undergraduate researcher Cadie Andrew illustrates native caterpillar species for local outreach materials. Stay tuned for completed projects!
09.2024 - A discussion with the Science Moab Podcast / UPR. What are food webs, why do they matter, and how might they change in warming and drying Western ecosystems?
