In this episode, I interview Roger Long an ecologist and professor. We discuss his career trajectory that led him from computer programming to teaching and focusing specifically on the shrub steppe ecosystem. After switching careers and completing his master's and dissertation, Roger continued studying nitrogen cycling and the impact of cattle grazing on shrub steppe vegetation and wildlife. His findings underscore the depletion of nitrogen due to cattle grazing, which has critical implications for the ecosystem's health. Roger recalls his experiences with falconry, hunting, and fishing, which fueled his interest in how agricultural practices affect native wildlife and plant species. The episode concludes with Roger's perspectives on public lands and their significance to him, particularly in preserving natural habitats and promoting biodiversity.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Background

00:13 Transition from Programming to Field Work

01:41 Insights from Field Work and Career Shifts

04:08 Grazing Impact on Shrub Steppe Ecosystem

06:13 Nitrogen Cycling and Ecosystem Health

08:28 Challenges in Grazing Research

11:40 Forbs and Grazing Effects

15:39 Nutrient Transport and Ecosystem Impact

21:40 Kleiber Curve and Ungulate Metabolism

25:33 Dissertation Methodology and Findings

31:13 Transect Methodology and Initial Findings

32:21 Stable Isotopes and Nitrogen Content

35:19 Grazing Regimes and Sample Collection

35:44 Impact of Grazing on Vegetation

37:29 Wildlife and Ecosystem Interactions

41:23 Challenges in Sagebrush Restoration

47:45 Public Lands and Grazing Policies

53:40 Personal Reflections on Public Lands

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