Habitat Occupancy of Plants at Walden West Biological Station

Understanding the species composition of an environmentally important site is a critical step to planning the conservation and monitoring of the long-term ecological health of that site. In May 2016, Adrian College took... [ view full abstract ]

Understanding the species composition of an environmentally important site is a critical step to planning the conservation and monitoring of the long-term ecological health of that site. In May 2016, Adrian College took possession of a 119-acre biological preserve known as Walden West Biological Station.  During the summer and fall of 2016, a floristic inventory of the plants present at the station was conducted by a group of students. This survey provides information on the habitat occupancy in different ecological areas of the many plant species present. It also allows us to determine the number of native and non-native species present at the site and in each habitat type.  It provides a strong baseline for future understanding of biodiversity at the site.  In addition, it informs the development of a long-term management and invasives remediation effort.  Analyses were carried out using R statistical software, and compared number of species of native and non-native origin to the full Michigan flora.

This work fits with the “Caring for Humanity and the World” because the data informs the development of management and long-term maintenance of biodiversity.  It also can serve as a template for future work at other sites for long-term conservation goals.