Juniperus virginiana or eastern redcedar have been ecologically and culturally important since ancestral times. Through time land use and practices have modified Juniper trees ecosystems. In the current climate concerns have risen of the accelerated encroachment of eastern redcedar into grasslands and woodlands. Here my research aims to understand the main geographical, ecological, cultural, and environmental-climate drivers of eastern redcedar encroachment in forest and grasslands.       

Since prehistoric times we have accumulated knowledge about how our ecosystems function. Like us, our ancestors faced climate change and developed strategies to live in balance with nature. Here my work seeks to understand ancestral strategies culturally developed for rational use of plants, and also to preserve ecosystems structure and functioning. These lessons from the past can be used and transferred to modern plant species conservation efforts and to develop sustainable strategies adapted to current climate challenges.