Kelly M Clayton, Dept of Environmental Sciences, Oregon State University

M.S. student studying riparian and wetlands ecology

Life began riding on the back of tractors and playing in corn, mint, and asparagus fields. I am the daughter of a farmer and grew up in the small town of Toppenish located in the Yakima Valley of southern Washington. The area is prosperous in agriculture and is the home of the Yakama Nation. Exposure to indigenous peoples and the farming life have inspired a lot of my interests, particularly environmental and anthropogenic influences on wetland and riparian habitats.

I received my B.S. in Wildlife Ecology from Washington State University where I was involved in projects regarding raptors (birds of prey), mule deer, grizzly bears, and endangered Columbia Basin pygmy rabbits. Additionally, I have conducted vegetation surveys to assess shrubsteppe habitats for Yakama Nation Wildlife, and in previous years, hawk surveys for Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

After finishing my undergraduate degree, I decided to further my education with Oregon State University. I am a M.S. student studying Environmental Science in the Professional Science Master’s Program and anticipate finishing my degree June of 2008. My interests are in managing sensitive habitat, education and outreach. Currently, I am working on an internship for the Hood River Ranger District modeling wood dynamics, conducting stream channel surveys, and assisting with the implementation of a large wood restoration project on Robinhood Creek, a headwater stream and tributary to Hood River, located in north central Oregon.