IMG_20210523_112648689_HDR

Sally Koerner, Meghan Avolio, and Kim Komatsu (L to R) study a vegetation plot at the Konza Prairie LTER site.

konza_schematic

Schematic of the tipping point phenomena at the Konza Prairie. The low points represent the two stable states—in this case, grassland or shrubland.

woody_encroachment

Woody encroachment onto the prairie grassland.

hydrology_konza

Stream flowing through Konza Prairie.

Image2_Meadowlark_Nest

Meadowlark nests are dome-shaped and built on the ground. The spatial orientation of the opening of the nest changed during the drought to cool the nest.