SWAAN Webinar: Mana in the Drylands

February 26, 2026  |  10:00 am Arizona Time

FREE

Mana in the Drylands: Exploring the ecological, climatic and cultural dimensions of mast seeding in arid landscapes.

Why do dryland trees produce massive seed crops every few years instead of annually? Join Chris Rizzo as he explores mast fruiting: dramatic "boom and bust" seed production that creates resource pulses rippling through dryland ecosystems. Chris will examine the evolutionary drivers behind masting and how cool-season moisture, temperature cues, and lagged reproductive investment affects these cycles in the Southwest. He will also explain how land managers can integrate mast fruiting into agroforestry systems by using these natural pulses for forage, wildlife support, and cultural value.

Learn about how we can work with these ecological rhythms rather, aligning forest regeneration, livestock production, and biodiversity in dryland landscapes. Click here for more information about the speaker and presentation.