I enjoy the lush herbaceous plants of nutrient rich mesic temperate deciduous forests. These species with more boreal distributions are more diminutive, but also showy, exciting to see, and among my first (botanical) loves from my undergraduate research in the Boundary Waters. #forestecol #Ecology

Ground layer plant communities are 2-10+ times more diverse than the overstory in temperate forests. They are sensitive indicators of environmental conditions. Our research has shown respond to a complex hierarchy of controls and can be severely limited by dispersal.

We are taking our first measurements of tree seedlings planted in assisted migration plantings. We are looking at whether we can convert a northern hardwood stand into an oak-hickory stand with some white pine and tulip poplar. #forestecology #climatesciences
#silviculture
#ecophysiolgy
#forestry

We went to see this rock that was estimated to be 3.6 billion years old, and "America's Oldest Rock", it was gneiss 😄. www.sciencenews.org/article/unit...

Serviceberry/saskatoon trees are in full bloom in the UP. These gorgeous flowers will soon turn into delicious sweet fruits that will feed birds and numerous other wildlife species. I love how the dainty and delicate flowers seem to just float in the modstory and contrast with the rugged landscape.

We kicked off our first year of post-treatment sampling on our Adaptive Capacity Through Silviculture experiment with spring ephemeral surveys. We are comparing alternative climate change adaptation strategies, including resilience and transition, to business as usual and no action.

Our graduate students presented their research at the Ecosystem Science Center at Michigan Tech's annual Student Research Forum last week, a great chance to showcase and celebrate their amazing work! Here is a sample from the students I am honored to work with.