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Excerpt from Biogeography Specialty Group newsletter:
Notes
Research Notes
Joy Wolf
In 2005,
Joy Wolf initiated research in a maple-beech forest in the Town of
Caledonia, Wisconsin. The study was funded by a grant through the
Root-Pike Watershed Initiative Network and by a University of
Wisconsin-Parkside Provost Award. This ecologically significant site
is a 56 acre remnant of the maple-beech forests, once widespread
throughout
Wisconsin. In Renak-Polak
Woods, located in the
Root
River watershed,
the spring ephemerals are highly diverse and blanket the understory.
The dominant natural disturbance in the old-growth canopy is the number
of treefalls which create spatial gaps for tree regeneration. Although
the site is almost free of other non-native species, the understory is
becoming invaded by garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata; below).
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Native understory biodiversity (Heather
Patti and Judy Grove) |
Joy's objectives were to understand the effect of garlic mustard on native
diversity, investigate the canopy dynamics as a mechanism for dispersal,
and organize an eradication program. The research involved mapping the
forest boundary, wetlands, tributaries, and 68 study plots using GPS and
GIS, quantifying canopy structure and composition, collecting understory
species data in paired plots, and promoting the enthusiasm and assistance
of as many as forty community volunteers.
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Treefall on top of an older treefall
(left), and a fungus-covered fallen tree (right). Photos by Michael
Stanton and Joy Wolf.
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In this first year, she set up
the plots in high quality areas of low to moderate invasion. Next year she
plans to locate new plots in the more densely invaded areas. This research
provides an opportunity where students can learn about old-growth canopy
dynamics, the application of GIS to study canopy development and forest
sustainability, and issues of biological invasion and fragmentation. The
study strengthens community outreach and partnerships between UW-Parkside
and other ecologically conscious organizations as well as land use
managers. Stay tuned for more at the next AAG meeting in
Chicago!
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Creating transects and plots to collect canopy and understory data. |
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