Riley Plumb, PWS
My goal as an ecologist is to work on projects that increase ecosystem resiliency while simultaneously achieving economic growth. I feel fortunate to be able to pursue this goal while working with a group of like-minded scientists, planners, engineers, and designers at Herrera. My work includes performing wetland assessments, ordinary high water mark delineations, mitigation and restoration site monitoring, and preparing reports and permit applications for compliance with environmental regulations. Outside of work, I spend my time playing music, camping, and searching for secret swimming holes.
Favorite Species:
Lungwort lichen (Lobaria pulmonaria). Like all lichens, lungwort is a member of the fungal kingdom that forms mutualistic relationships with photosynthetic green algae. Lungwort is unique in that it is also associated with nitrogen fixing cyanobacteria. After a wind event, lungwort falls from tree canopies to the forest floor where it slowly decomposes and contributes vital nitrogen resources to forest soils.
Favorite Quote
The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness.
- John Muir