Research Interests:

In my joint position as University of Denver faculty and Director of Research, Herbaria and Records at Denver Botanic Gardens (DBG), I direct a research program in Conservation Biology with three, overlapping foci: 1) preservation of rare species, 2) the ecology of exotic invasives, and 3) restoration of degraded ecosystems. The primary concentration of my DU group is the ecology of restoration of riparian habitats invaded by non-native plants.

While scientific theories of ecological restoration are well established, there are significant gaps in practical application. One of my goals, therefore, has been to help guide the academic field to benefit actual land management. Toward this end, my lab has conducted the first multi-state surveys of re-vegetated restoration sites, using multivariate statistical tools to identify environmental variables associated with restoration success (e.g., Bay & Sher). We have also conducted large-scale field tests of how invasive species control influences plant assemblages (e.g., Sher et al. in press) and soil chemistry (e.g. Cederborg & Sher). These projects have primarily considered restoration associated with Tamarix spp. (tamarisk, saltcedar), a woody, Eurasian tree that invades watersheds, profoundly affecting biological communities and ecosystem processes (i.e., fire, flooding, and soil chemistry fluxes).

Link to Sher Publication List

Recent Publications:

• A.A. Sher, S. Gieck, C. Brown, and S. Nissen. 2008. First-year responses of cheatgrass following tamarisk control and restoration-related disturbances. Restoration Ecology 16:129-135.
• Shafroth, P. B. , V. B. Beauchamp, M. K. Briggs, K. Lair, M. L. Scott, and A. A. Sher. 2008. Planning riparian restoration in the context of Tamarix control in western North America. Restoration Ecology 16 97-112.
• Westring, C.G. , H. Ando, T. Kitahashi, R. K. Bhandar, H. Ueda, A. Urano, R. M. Dores, A. A. Sher, and P. B. Danielson. 2008. Seasonal Changes in CRH-I and Urotensin I Transcript Levels in Masu Salmon: Correlation with Cortisol Secretion During Spawning. Gen Comp Endocrin 155:126-140.
• Thornby, D., D.F. Spencer, J. Hanan, and A.A. Sher. 2007.  L-DONAX, a growth model of the invasive weed species, Arundo donax L. Aquatic Botany 87(4): 275-284.
• Spencer, D., A.A. Sher , D. Thornby, P.S. Liow, G. Ksander and W. Tan. 2007. Non-destructive assessment of Arundo donax (Poaceae) leaf quality. Journal of Freshwater Ecology 22: 277-285
• Smith, S., A.A. Sher and T.A. Grant. 2007. Genetic Diversity in Restoration Materials and the Impacts of Seed Collection in Colorado's Restoration Plant Production Industry. Restoration Ecology 15:369-374.