Lunchtime Expedition Lecture: Revealing the Depths of Our Sagebrush Seas

Revealing the Depths of Our Sagebrush Seas

By Dr. Anna Chalfoun

May 1, 2025
Noon–1 p.m.

Coe Auditorium

Join us for the May Lunchtime Expedition, when Dr. Anna Chalfoun presents Revealing the Depths of Our Sagebrush Seas.

Many describe the sagebrush steppe as “drive-through country,” a “barren wasteland,” or the “sagebrush sea.” These labels flatten the complexity of sagebrush habitats and overlook the remarkable life they support. This talk challenges such misconceptions, guides the audience on an immersive journey through the sagebrush sea, and showcases the fascinating species, behaviors, ecological interactions, and biodiversity found within this unique biome—extending far beyond ungulates and greater sage-grouse. We will also explore the impacts of ongoing human-driven habitat changes across the North American sagebrush steppe and examine a case study demonstrating how rigorous scientific investigation can illuminate practical strategies for addressing species declines amidst modern land use pressures.

While talks in our Lunchtime Expedition series are not live streamed, they will be recorded and posted to the Draper Museum’s YouTube channel within a day of their presentation.

About the program

Chalfoun, from the Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Unit and the University of Wyoming’s Zoology and Physiology Department, talks about the role of sagebrush in the state’s ecosystems. Her work has largely focused on understanding wildlife-habitat relationships, and especially the contexts under which habitat choices are adaptive.

About the speaker

Dr. Anna Chalfoun is a Research Ecologist with the U.S. Geological Survey and serves as the Assistant Unit Leader for Wildlife at the Wyoming Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. She is based at the University of Wyoming, where she also holds the position of Associate Professor in the Department of Zoology and Physiology and the Program in Ecology and Evolution.

Dr. Chalfoun is a Fellow and Council Member of the American Ornithological Society and a recipient of the prestigious Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers. She recently completed a term as President of the Wyoming Chapter of The Wildlife Society.

Research in the Chalfoun lab integrates behavior, ecology, and conservation biology, with a focus on non-game and sensitive species. Dr. Chalfoun and her students collaborate with various federal, state, and non-governmental organizations to examine wildlife–habitat relationships and the ecological mechanisms driving the impacts of anthropogenic habitat change. Their work aims to inform and improve science-based wildlife management and conservation strategies.

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Upcoming Lunchtime Expeditions

The series generally continues on the first Thursday of each month from February through December. Confirmed speakers below:

• June 5: Dr. Laura Burkle, Montana State University, Topic TBD

Have you missed a Lunchtime Expedition?

The talks in this series are gathered in YouTube playlists by year:

• 2025 Lunchtime Expeditions
• 2024 Lunchtime Expeditions
• 2023 Lunchtime Expeditions

Support for the Draper’s Lunchtime Expedition series has been made possible by Sage Creek Ranch and the Nancy-Carroll Draper Charitable Foundation.