California’s Geospatial Science in Action

What does geospatial science seem like at Audubon California in 2025? It begins on the Salton Sea, the place our science helps transfer roughly 2,000 acres of wetland habitat towards restoration planning. From there, it expands statewide: analysis that informs California’s local weather coverage, modernized information fashions that help smarter renewable vitality siting, and science-driven convenings that convey researchers and choice makers to the identical desk. 

Our small-but-mighty crew of ecologists brings technical experience in geospatial science, together with GIS, satellite tv for pc imagery evaluation, and predictive modeling utilizing machine studying. The objective is easy: to develop science that helps folks make data-driven selections that profit birds, wildlife, and communities throughout California and the West, and to ship these science merchandise to the companies, companions, and advocates who want them most.

Rising Wetlands on the Salton Sea

For over 5 years, we have now used satellite tv for pc imagery and GIS to map newly rising wetland habitat on the Salton Sea and convey that info to regulatory boards and state and federal companies. We advocate for these habitats to be acknowledged and included into restoration planning as a result of we may see what was taking place on the bottom in close to actual time: because the Sea modifications, new wetlands are forming, and birds are utilizing them. 

At a California State Water Assets Management Board assembly within the Coachella Valley, the Salton Sea Administration Program introduced a brand new challenge to guard and improve rising wetlands within the northern Salton Sea, totaling roughly 2,000 acres. This type of mapping and advocacy is crucial — with out it, choice makers typically would not have the well timed, habitat-specific info wanted to plan for shielding these wetlands.

These wetlands are supporting waterbirds and riparian species (together with threatened and endangered wildlife), whereas additionally serving to scale back dangerous mud emissions that impression public well being in surrounding communities. 

What We’re Studying About Birds and Shifting Habitat on the Sea

Along with this on-the-ground momentum, we regarded again throughout 7 years of Audubon’s science on the Salton Sea to raised perceive how birds and habitat have modified throughout a interval of speedy transformation. The Salton Sea is a website of hemispheric significance for migratory birds, and the size of change there calls for cautious, long-term monitoring.

This 12 months, we printed a scientific temporary detailing what we discovered over these 7 years: how habitats are shifting, and the way birds are responding. That analysis strengthens our capacity to advocate for birds, habitat, and neighborhood wants on the Sea, grounded in clear traits and proof.