In The News: Collaborative Research at The Ridges Sanctuary Informs Future Conservation
Collaborative Research at The Ridges Sanctuary Informs Future Conservation
By Victoria Holderer, Applied Research Ecologist; Tony Kiszonas, Director of Research; and Jeff Lutsey, Executive Director of the Climate Change Coalition of Door County
“The ever-changing plant and animal populations of The Ridges make it mandatory for us to learn more about what exists within The Ridges, what factors cause changes in numbers of rare species, and how to maintain desirable vegetation and animal numbers in all Ridges habitats.” Roy Lukes, 1988.
These words spoken over 35 years ago are as significant now as they were then. The Ridges Sanctuary (TRS) addresses this challenge through various research initiatives.
Research Partnerships at The Ridges Sanctuary
TRS is fortunate to work with several organizations and individuals who value its incredible diversity. Through inventory and research projects, these partners help us learn more about the organisms that comprise our varied communities.
This diversity also provides an ideal environment for outside researchers to conduct projects. Their work expands academic and organizational knowledge while providing tremendous benefits for The Ridges.
Some studies gather baseline inventory information, while others explore the symbiosis of species. Additional research examines the intricate relationships between groundwater and Lake Michigan. Each project contributes to our understanding of the environment for current and future generations.
University Research and Ecological Studies
Several ongoing inventory and research projects provide valuable information about the communities within the old “Baileys Harbor Bog” and beyond. Collaborations with external institutions help answer critical questions and guide future resource allocation decisions at TRS.
The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay continues to conduct numerous projects at the Sanctuary. One recent project aims to quantify moss carbon sequestration in wetland areas.
The University of Wisconsin-La Crosse and the University of South Alabama study fungi found in orchid roots. Researchers isolate and identify these fungi while also examining how certain types may change over time.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison also conducts a significant ecohydrology project. This research examines the relationships between Lake Michigan levels, groundwater levels, swale water levels, and tree growth.
Citizen Science and Wildlife Monitoring
Citizen Science remains the heart and soul of research at The Ridges Sanctuary. The numerous programs do not exist without incredible volunteer passion and expertise in international organization coordination. The Christmas Bird Count is part of the Audubon Society’s western hemisphere count. For 126 years, this initiative has tracked bird population trends.
Locally, the data gathered indicates population changes, some indicative of a changing climate. In partnership with the Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance, volunteers monitor over 25 area eagle nests annually. Researchers compare nests throughout the state to identify trends and anomalies. These findings help track the ongoing recovery of these magnificent birds.
The International Crane Foundation’s Annual Midwest Crane Count also tracks bird recovery efforts. On an early April morning, over 60 citizen scientists are counting cranes and reporting this data to accessible databases. Population trends indicate, among other things, wetland preservation efforts.
Additional Citizen Science Collaborations
Other Citizen Science collaborations include sucker monitoring with the Shedd Aquarium and plant phenology research with the Chicago Botanic Garden. TRS also partners with the Wisconsin DNR and the University of Wisconsin Extension on stream monitoring.
Additional partnerships support dwarf lake iris research with the US Fish and Wildlife Service and The Ridges Sanctuary Forest School. Orchid research involves the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center and the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.
Climate Change and Forest Restoration Research
A recently implemented project at The Ridges Sanctuary captures the essence of these research collaborations. restoration.
TRS partners with the Climate Change Coalition of Door County (CCCDC) and the Lakeshore Natural Resource Partnership (LNRP) on a research initiative. Together, they study long-term trends in forest restoration. In trying to answer the following questions, the Boreal and Temperate Mesic Forest Climate Survivability Project commenced.
How will climate change affect Door County’s forests?
Which tree species will best tolerate climate change?
Will our Boreal forest ecosystems move further north?
What will be the larger environmental impact of these changes?
As conservation leaders and concerned community members, how should we respond?
The Daybreak Fund’s generosity, guidance from field experts, and leadership from the executive directors of TRS and the CCCDC make this project possible. Over 140 volunteers have contributed more than 1,000 hours to the effort. Their work includes mapping grids, planting and tagging over 2,700 trees, collecting baseline data, and conducting inventories. Together, these efforts aim to answer the questions outlined above.
Tracking Tree Survival and Biodiversity
The 2,790 trees of numerous age classes and species are in 5 research plots in varied ecosystems. To reflect numerous scenarios, which the CCCDC’s Big Plant initiative encompasses, plots include open meadows, disturbed areas, and partially forested regions. Tree survivorship and carbon sequestration rates will inform numerous stakeholders, including the Big Plant coordinators, conservation groups, contractors, and private landowners, in the future. Along with this information, on-site monitors have already detected the presence of seven bat species, including the endangered northern long-eared bat (Myotis septentrionalis), in addition to numerous other animal species. As a long-term project, tracking the impacts of reforestation on plant and animal communities is crucial. Preliminary survivorship data is already showing interesting and informative results. The overall survivorship rates average 86% for the 5 plots, with one plot at 95% and one plot at 52%. Longitudinal tracking of these experimental plots and adjacent control plots will provide the needed components for data-driven conservation decisions.
Protecting The Ridges Through Research
As the boreal forest faces increasing pressure, Citizen Science and collaborative research projects provide essential data to guide informed decisions and resource allocation, helping protect and preserve The Ridges Sanctuary in these challenging times.