TALA AWADA: I was always interested in math and physics and biology and exchanges of energy. Thatís how I first got interested in natural resources, how things work and how they interact. The most important function trees do is photosynthesizing, where they absorb carbon dioxide, and in the processes they also release oxygen.

NARRATOR: The research of Doctor Tala Awada is focus on plant ecology.

TALA AWADA: Dendrochronology, we can divide it, slice it. ìDendroî is ìtreeî in Greek. ìKhronosî is time, and ìlogiaî is the science of it. So, itís basically study of the tree through time. In our areas, in the temperate areas and the colder areas, trees consistently, every year would put a ring, a new ring. and thatís how theyíre growing.  Think of it as a recording machine. We can really reconstruct past climates. We can get information on the intensity and the frequency of disturbances.

(THUNDER)

It could be floods.

(WATER FLOWING)

It could be insects.

(INCECTS CHIRPING)

It could be fire, because they leave fire scars.

(FIRE CRACKING)

Lightning.

(THUNDER)

So thereís lots of information in the tree throughout its life. 

NARRATOR: A riparian forest is defined as a narrow strip of vegetation growing next to a body of water. In this case, the Platte River. The cottonwood is the most abundant tree species.

TALA AWADA: Cottonwood, like other tree species, constitute a very important part for us in the Great Plains, especially in riparian areas. This is the dominant species that we have, or type of forest that we have in those woodlands or riparian areas. They really are important for providing us with a healthy environment. They absorb carbon dioxide and in the process they also release oxygen. They provide food. They provide shelter for wildlife. They also provide corridors for certain species, or they may act as a barrier for others. They also provide food to the aquatic system that they reside along. Itís very important in terms of its contribution to the food chain and the food web.