Project Grant 2605546

Federal Project Grant Award Summary

The University of Idaho received a $497,053 Project Grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Division of Environmental Biology under the Biological Sciences program (CFDA 47.074), effective September 1, 2026 through August 31, 2031. This collaborative research initiative develops improved predictive models for understanding how natural environmental variability—including fluctuations in water availability and temperature—affects tree growth across the continental United States. The primary deliverables include mechanistic forecasting tools that quantify forest productivity at fine temporal scales (daily to seasonal), utilizing highly sensitive automated point dendrometers installed at multiple sites through the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) to track above- and below-ground tree growth dynamics. The research generates accessible intra-annual growth datasets and develops robust methodologies for scaling individual tree responses to broader forest types across diverse U.S. ecosystems.

Beyond scientific research outputs, the award supports education and workforce development through hands-on learning experiences for undergraduate and graduate students as well as K-12 teachers and students, enabling direct exploration of tree growth dynamics and weather variability interactions. The project delivers science-based decision-support tools intended to assist forest managers and policymakers in maintaining forest health, supporting rural economies, and ensuring long-term resource sustainability. Work is conducted at the University of Idaho's Moscow, Idaho location, with this award representing a collaborative effort within NSF's broader investment in ecological and environmental biology research.