(Saratoga, CA) West Valley College student, Tomas Velazco, and biology instructor, Michelle Geary, have been awarded a $2,000 Save the Redwoods Starter Grant to assess re-sprouting of coast redwoods damaged by the 2020 CZU Lightning Complex Fire. This study will examine the post-fire dynamics of seedling germination within coast redwood populations. It will also enhance understanding of where to prioritize the use of conservation resources, while identifying which areas may be most at risk.
Velazco is a biology student at West Valley with plans to transfer to a four-year university. After taking Michelle Geary’s BIO 42: Principles of Plant Biology course, he became more interested in the subject and joined her Redwood Research project at the end of 2019. The fire season and COVID-19 put a halt to their meetings, but they are grateful to be able to continue their research with the support of the Save the Redwoods League.
For the first time, the Save the Redwoods League has expanded its grant program offerings to also include starter grants for students of color to provide introductory opportunities to members of underrepresented communities and encourage a diversity of perspectives in the profession.
“As the duration of the California fire season continues to grow, it is crucial we understand how we can encourage the growth of seedling germination and determine which areas are most at risk to ensure our forests are able to rejuvenate. Along with Michelle Geary and her team we aim to find valuable knowledge that will contribute to the preservation of our local forests,” explained Velazco.
"Tomas is passionate about biology, the outdoors, and preserving the earth we live on. I am so proud to be his mentor as he launches into coast redwood research and in-depth study of modern ecological methods. The Save the Redwoods starter grants are focused on providing the kind of early research experiences that can make a significant difference in preparing undergrads to succeed in their careers – and as Tomas advances in redwood ecology, he can become a mentor and role model for others as well,” shared Michelle Geary.
Grant funds will be used for geospatial coursework, including textbooks and necessary technology upgrades, as well as for field work and travel costs over the next year and a half.
Among the grant awardees, West Valley College is the only community college. All other awardees attend four-year universities.
Save the Redwoods League is one of the nation’s longest-running conservation organizations and has been protecting and restoring redwood forests since 1918. The organization awarded nearly $160,000 in grant funding for 2021 research projects in California that will contribute to the growing knowledge about coastal redwood and giant sequoia forests.