Monitoring Invasive Iceplant from Space
Together NCEAS and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) are coupling research in machine learning algorithms with on-the-ground restoration and monitoring efforts to detect and remove invasive iceplant (Carpobrotus edulis) and help restore native ecosystems within the Jack and Laura Dangermond Preserve.
Using machine learning we are developing a rapid, efficient and repeatable iceplant detection data analysis pipeline that will be used to map the extent and rate of spread of iceplant within the preserve, scale it to all of California to inform conservation strategies statewide, and refine it to detect changes in ecological variables in restoration sites to help monitor from space the outcomes of restoration activities.
Ultimately this work will be used by TNC to guide their restoration actions at the preserve, track effectiveness, and develop an iceplant restoration guidebook and communication platform.
Initial publications coming out of this program: