Current Projects Involving Undergraduates:
1) STREAM/FARM RESTORATION PROJECT (CREP). We have local restoration projects and experimental studies with native tree species in pasture landscapes in Rockingham County. We are determining tree species survival and growth (biomass accumulation) as well in changes in biodiversity. 1000+ tree seedlings are measured every fall. This is a service-learning research project where we work with the land-owners and local foresters and establish new monitoring sites every several years. 2) TREE CARBON AND BIODIVERSITY IN CATTLE PASTURES IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY AND PANAMA. We are working on farms to determine the relationship between tree biomass (carbon), biodiversity (via soundscapes), and beef cattle production in temperate and dry tropical forests. 3) MONARCH BUTTERFLIES & MILKWEED SPECIES. Climate change is affecting pollinator species, such as the monarch butterfly. In experimental studies, we are determining monarch butterfly preference and caterpillar growth on eight species of native milkweed which may be increasing in toxicity due to increased levels of CO2. We will determine toxin levels in the plants as well as the caterpillars feeding on them. This may have an effect on the OE parasite that is infecting them. Students count eggs and measure caterpillars on milkweed species in garden plots during the fall semester. Monarch butterflies are also captured to test for presence of the OE parasite. Visit our Monarch Waystation outside of Bioscience! You might see caterpillars and monarchs in September through mid-October. |