Research Projects
2019 Quantifying patterns of seed rain between remnant and restored prairies, and how they change with restoration age
Period: March 1, 2019 - Present
Contact: Lauren Sullivan
Organization: University of Missouri
Funding Source: Prairie Fork Conservation Trust
Project Link: https://laurenlsullivan.weebly.com/
Objectives: Relationship of the proposal to goals of PFCA: The long-term goals of PFCA include “reestablishment and maintenance of natural biological communities and service as an outdoor laboratory that advances science and engages students in active learning.”
This project addresses these longer-term goals by providing baseline knowledge
necessary to understanding the role of seeding for the creation of high quality
restorations that are both forb-rich and free of noxious invasive species. This project uses PFCA field-data collection to define natural seed rain patterns and how these change through the restoration process. Additionally, this project will engage both undergraduate and graduate students in restoration ecology research at PFCA, thereby encouraging authentic research and active learning on site.