Consultant to Newhall Land and Farming (FivePoint Communities), 2007 – Present.
Jodi McGraw Consulting has conducted research, monitoring, and experimental introductions for the San Fernando Valley spineflower—a state-listed endangered species that was thought to be extinct until the early 2000s. Specific projects have included:
- Designed and implemented research to characterize habitat for the endangered annual plant, by identifying factors influencing the species’ distribution, abundance, and demographic performance using multivariate and univariate analyses.
- Designing and implementing a multi-phase program to introduce the endangered plant into areas identified as featuring potentially suitable habitat, based on the habitat characterization study. The experimental reintroductions have been conducted as replicated experimental studies designed to identify treatments that can be conducted to enhance effectiveness introductions, while testing hypotheses about the ecological factors that influence the species.
- Examining the effects of recent wildfires on distribution, abundance, and population performance of the endangered plant; and
- Serving on the Adaptive Management Working Group and Technical Advisory Group, to inform long-term management of the preserves established to conserve the endangered plant.
Results of the habitat characterization and seeding trials as being used to inform habitat management as well as introductions to promote species persistence.