Sessions
Symposium: Wetland soils & carbon
1:30 PM - 5:00 PM Wed
Title: Greenhouse gas dynamics and tradeoffs in wetlands
Abstract: While the phrases "carbon sequestration" and "carbon storage" are frequently used, we might better be served by focusing our efforts on a broader array of greenhouse gasses and related dynamics. In this talk, I will review the basics of greenhouse gas dynamics, how these dynamics relate to wetlands, and how these processes are affected by human actions such as drainage and restoration. I will discuss the challenges we face measuring how carbon and other gasses such as methane and nitrous oxide enter and are pulled out of the atmosphere through wetlands. To help participants understand and put into context the benefits and tradeoffs of wetland conservation and restoration as a climate mitigation strategy, I will also provide insights on how the greenhouse dynamics in wetlands compare to different ecosystem and land-use types, particularly agriculture.
Bio: Dr. Ellen Herbert is an ecosystem services scientist for Ducks Unlimited (DU) at their national headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee. She coordinates DU's efforts to quantify and communicate the benefits DU's conservation programs provide for wildlife and humans, including habitat, water quality, groundwater recharge, flood abatement, soil conservation, biodiversity, recreation, education, and many others. Prior to joining DU, Dr. Herbert was a post-graduate researcher at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. She earned her PhD from Indiana University's School of Public and Environmental Affairs in 2015 and her bachelor's degree in biology from Kenyon College in 2007.