Global Climate Change: A Tree’s Perspective
Steve Grossnickle, Ph.D.
How can ecophysiology help foresters understand global climate change from the viewpoint of a tree? Dr. Grossnickle tackles the challenges of environmental alterations from an unusual perspective, based on decades of research on the growth and development of seedlings. These tiny trees, whose chances of a long life will be dictated by their ability to adapt to the amount of energy, water and nutrients available in the future, reveal the intricate connections of living things to the Earth.
Steve Grossnickle has conducted work in the plant sciences/forestry field for over thirty-five years within university and industry programs throughout the United States and Canada, regarding ecological and physiological processes related to forest ecosystem restoration, silvicultural operations and the production processes of operational nurseries. These have led to collaborations with the nursery industry, both forestry and horticulture, and the forest industry to address operational restoration issues.
These programs have earned Dr. Grossnickle an international reputation as a scientist and practitioner addressing basic biological and ecological processes of plants, and silvicultural practices within research, extension and educational programs. These programs were conducted with external partners in universities, government, and the nursery and forest industries. Findings from these programs have resulted in a published a book (Titled: Ecophysiology of Northern Spruce Species: The Performance of Planted Seedlings – NRC Press), 76 refereed scientific journal papers and chapters, 26 technical transfer papers, 4 patents, and has given over 50 talks at conferences and workshops over the past 25 years. Steve Grossnickle holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Forest Resource Management from Southern Illinois University, and a Master of Science degree in Forest Ecology and a Doctor of Philosophy degree from Colorado State University in Plant Physiological Ecology.