Grassland, Shrubland and Desert Ecosystem Research Program

Robert D. Cox, Post-doctoral Research Ecologist
email: robertcox [at] fs.fed.us
phone: (208) 373-4358               
fax: (208) 373-4391
 

Education
B.S., Conservation Biology, Brigham Young University
M.S., Botany, Brigham Young University
Ph.D., Botany (Ecology and Conservation Biology), University of California - Riverside
 

Research Interests
My graduate studies focused on applying ecological principles to the management and restoration of arid and semi-arid shrubland communities. I have been particularly active in investigating invasive species, species interactions, restoration ecology, and conservation of rare plants and communities in the rangelands of the West.  I have investigated restoration and management of southern California coastal sage scrub vegetation, focusing on how weed control methods influence the various classes of native and exotic species, and how soil seedbanks, phenological differences, and seed germination requirements  influence restoration efforts.

In collaboration with colleagues at the Center for Conservation Biology at UC Riverside, I developed and implemented a research plan to investigate the distribution of rare plants in Riverside County, California. This research included gathering historical plant records from various repositories and revisiting each location to collect species presence and community composition data in order to analyze habitat occupancy and community data with estimates of disturbance, exotic species presence, and airborne nitrogen deposition.

In my current position, I will be developing knowledge, plant materials, and technology for successful long-term restoration of diverse shrubland plant communities to meet resource needs and values.