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Research Abstracts

Research Abstracts

Oak Savanna: Landscapes, History, and Restoration

Structure And Composition Of The Cross Timbers In Central Oklahoma : Presettlement, Turn Of The 20th Century, and Today.

Rick Thomas, The University of Oklahoma

Vegetation ecologists have yet to significantly utilize General Land Office (GLO) Public Land Survey (PLS) records in the Oklahoma Cross Timbers, an oversight that has resulted in confusion about their presettlement structure and composition. Using 1871 PLS bearing tree data from Oklahoma, Cleveland, Murray and Carter counties, we have demonstrated that the Cross Timbers in central Oklahoma were much more savanna-like prior to settlement. Additionally, Black oak (Quercus velutina) was a Cross Timbers dominant and Blackjack oak (Quercus marilandica) a much rarer species at that time in central Oklahoma, a situation that began to change significantly after settlement and has reversed itself today. We speculate as to why this rapid change in species composition occurred and suggest improvements to current conservation ideas in an effort to promote the restoration of oak savannas in central Oklahoma .

Implications Of Anthropogenic Disturbance For Vegetation Restoration Of Structure And Composition Of Black Oak Savannas

Noel B. Pavlovic, Ralph Grundel, Stacey Leicht-Young, and Krystal Frohnapple USGS- Great Lakes Science Center

Scott Weyenberg National Park Service, Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway

Midwestern oak savannas are of considerable conservation concern because of their rarity resulting from destruction and fire suppression. We quantified the impacts of fire suppression and recovery from sand mining on the savanna/woodland vegetation at the Indiana Dunes. Woody structure and composition, and herbaceous richness were quantified among five habitat types, open, savanna, woodland, scrub and forest (N="5)." Canopy and subcanopy density were sampled in a 12.6 m radius plot. Ground layer vegetation (presence –absence and frequency score) was sampled from twenty 1 by 2 m random plots along a transect at each of the sites. We quantified canopy closure, PAR, soil chemistry and 20 year fire history for each site. We also sampled the soil seed bank in ten high quality woodland/savanna sites to compare the seed bank and vegetation composition. Characterization of the canopy and subcanopy were different between structural and compositional data. Plant species richness was highly positively correlated with PAR and frequency of recent fires, and negatively correlated with mean fire return interval, canopy closure and tree density. Plot richness increased almost four-fold (5 to 19 species) from unburned to frequently burned sites. Ground layers of oak savanna, woodland and scrub were not distinct but were divided into xeric and mesic types. Oak savanna groundlayer plant diversity is dramatically reduced by fire suppression. Seed banks were dissimilar to the groundlayer vegetation and contained several exotic species. Structural and compositional changes in combination with the absence of a representative seed bank have great implications for which techniques are required for savanna restoration. Monitoring data from a prescribed burned black oak forest at the Indiana Dunes highlights these complications. These structural and compositional patterns along this anthropogenic gradient are discussed relative to oak savanna restoration.

Experimental Assembly Of Ground-Layer Communities Along Soil And Light Gradients In Wisconsin ’s Oak Savanna

Mark K. Leach, Northland College and Thomas P. Givnish, University of Wisconsin

Oak (Quercus spp.) savannas with scattered canopies were once the most widespread natural communities in southern Wisconsin, but those with intact groundlayers are considered extremely rare. Consequently, the nature of their species-rich and horizontally structured vegetation has been long debated. Our previously published observations on the influence of light and soil gradients in remnant oak savannas—along with the successful experiences of several restorationists--helped resolve controversies on ground-layer community composition and structure. Consequently, the interest in oak savanna restoration has greatly increased. Here, we report on a parallel field experiment on the assembly of savanna ground layers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum. Assembly experiments provide an independent test of new generalizations regarding oak savanna groundlayers, their composition, structure, and horizontal patterning, importantly avoiding the problem in remnant studies of correlations between site soils and site history.

We used RoundUp to devegetate 38 strips running from shade under open-grown oaks to sunnier locations between oaks. The oaks grew on a range of soils from burr oak on silt and silt-loam soil to black oak on loamy-sand and sand soil, representing a large proportion of the soil x light microsites expected in Wisconsin ’s oak savannas. On silts to loamy sands, we sowed a mesic seed mix of 84 species in 275 1-m2 plots. On loamy sand to sand, we sowed a xeric mix of 83 species, with 47 species in common to both mixes. Light availability was estimated via computer analysis of 180-degree fisheye photographs taken over each plot. We gathered percent cover, height, and flowering data for the first six years and again on the twelfth year.

Results generally support our conclusions from the remnant study. Soil conditions drove distributions more than did light availability. Coverage by forbs increased with percent silt content, while graminoids coverage increased toward sunnier and/or sandier microsties. The coverage of forbs was greater than the coverage of graminoids, except in sandy or bright microsites where C4 grasses dominated, supporting our description of savanna as generally forb dominated, not grass

dominated. Guilds based on physiologic differences (e.g., C4 grasses, N-fixation) sorted along gradients more rapidly than did guilds based on morphology (e.g., leaf width). Species tended to “shift” toward shadier conditions with an increase in soil sand content. Contrary to our findings in remnants, species density was lowest in the most productive soils (which had organic content around 8 to 13 percent) presumably a result of competitive exclusion by tall fast-growing broad-leaved plants, e.g., woodland Joe-Pye (Eupatorium purpureum), although this dominance decreased with time.

Previous studies on Wisconsin savannas have emphasized the individualistic distribution of groundlayer species along the community gradient from prairie through savanna to forest, and, hence, emphasized the transitional nature of savanna and noted a strong floristic similarity of savanna and prairie. Our study provides more evidence that oak savanna in Wisconsin is not “prairie with trees,” except, perhaps, on the least productive sites. Savanna preserves should maintain the heterogeneity of soil and light environments to provide suitable microhabitats for a diverse flora. When choosing species for restoring groundlayers, traits important for energy capture should be matched with microhabitats and thereby increase the speed of restoring and decrease seed costs.

Reestablishing Oak Openings Species On Pine Plantation Sites In Northwestern Ohio

Scott Abella, University of Nevada- Las Vegas

Thousands of hectares of oak savanna and prairie habitat in the Midwest were converted to pine plantations in the mid-1900s to revegetate abandoned agricultural fields. The purpose of this study was to assess plant succession and the reestablishment of savanna and wet prairie species after thinning pine plantations in the 1,495-ha Oak Openings Preserve in northwestern Ohio. Thinning reduced basal area of Pinus resinosa (red pine) and Pinus strobus (eastern white pine) by an average of 70%. Plant communities were sampled on 0.05-ha plots in 14 thinned and 10 control plantation sites one and three years after thinning. By three years after thinning, thinned plots contained 2-3 times more species and 14 times more plant cover than control plots. The species composition of colonizing plants was most strongly correlated with residual pine basal area and soil variables related to drainage (e.g., sand concentration, available water capacity). Although plant composition was dominated by widespread colonizers such as Erechtites hieraciifolia (American burnweed), the coefficient of conservatism significantly increased on thinned plots from year 1 to 3. This finding, coupled with the presence of four rare, state-listed Ohio plants whose eight plot occurrences all happened on thinned plots, suggests that plant composition is moving towards species typifying more high-quality savanna and wet prairie habitats.

Plant Litter Decomposition and its Effect on Soil Carbon Storage

Zachary L. Rinkes and Michael N. Weintraub, University of Toledo- Department of Environmental Sciences

Soils are an important reservoir for carbon (C) in the global C cycle, primarily due to their ability to accumulate significant quantities of organic matter. This important global carbon cycle reservoir can actually store more carbon than terrestrial vegetation and the atmosphere combined. As soil organic matter accumulates, it is decomposed by a suite of microorganisms, which have the ability to produce extracellular enzymes that can break down even the toughest plant litter components. Decomposition serves as a key control on carbon sequestration, yet more information is needed on the relationship between enzyme activity and the microbial community, which help determine the amount of carbon sequestered. Research has shown that disturbances, such as elevated levels of carbon dioxide and increasing amounts of atmospheric nitrogen deposition, alter microbial activity during decomposition. This change in the level of activity may modify the amount of carbon stored in soils and influence soil nutrient availability, which is a key regulator of plant community composition in areas such as the Oak Openings. Our objective was to examine the relationship between enzyme activity and microbial growth during litter decomposition through a lab incubation experiment utilizing typical soil from the Oak Openings Region and sugar maple (Acer saccharum) leaf litter. Our specific hypothesis is that microbial growth and activity will be strongly affected by nutrient availability, with this interaction serving as a key regulator of soil carbon storage. A lab incubation experiment was set up using ½ pint Mason jars containing Oak Openings soil adjusted to 40% water-holding capacity mixed with finely ground A. saccharum litter. Jars were incubated at 20°C and replicates were destructively harvested over a three-month period. Replicates were analyzed for microbial biomass, microbial enzymes that drive carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus cycling, rate of carbon mineralization, and soil nitrogen and phosphorus availability. Further exploration of the mechanisms that drive litter decomposition will give insight into how global climate change may impact soil carbon storage in the Oak Openings Region.

Interactions & Invasive Species

Peromyscus Population Dynamics And Seed Predation Of Lupinus Perennis In And Around Oak Savannas

Rachel Kappler and Karen Root, Bowling Green State University

Wild blue lupine (Lupinus perennis) in the Oak Openings Region of Northwest Ohio is an important nitrogen fixer and serves as an essential food source for the federally endangered Karner Blue butterfly(Lycaeides melissa samuelis). We focused on potential factors that might be affecting mice predation on wild blue lupine seeds in oak savannas. Previous studies have found that: wild blue lupine responds favorably to prescribed burns (Grigore & Tramer 1996); mice (Peromyscus sps.) foraging success decreases with increased leaf litter depth (Reed 2005); mice seed predation on bush lupine (Lupinus arboreus) showed decreased seedling recruitment, seed bank size, and adult numbers (Kaufmann 2006; Maron 2005); and seed predation increases when an herb/shrub layer is present at edges (Kolmmann & Buchard 2002). This suggests that management practices and vegetation affect foraging behavior. We used seed trays placed in the open or the edge of oak savannas to estimate predation rate, estimated mice abundance with a mark-recapture study, and used tracking tubes to evaluate mice distribution. We performed vegetation surveys, recorded weather and management histories, and used GIS to find spatial variables to assess how they affect seed predation. Our major findings were that mice seed removal for the summer averaged at 22 percent, seed removal varied significantly across space and time (P < 0.05), was more likely in areas with increased vegetation height (P < 0.001) and rates varied under different management histories (P < 0.05). Only P. leucopus was found during live trapping and they were trapped in similar numbers for both woodlands and oak savannas. Mice abundance estimates were similar when comparing the use of live trapping versus tracking tube data. Mice presence was influenced slightly by the presence of dead wood at the site (P = 0.0017) and amount of oak savanna in the area (P = 0.018). Mice tracks were influenced by bare ground (June) (P = 0.0002), distance from water (P = 0.0032), and vegetation sheltering the tracking tubes (P = 0.0115). There were also a few hot spots of mice activity and seed predation, although they were not influenced by any environmental variables. Overall, this study increased our understanding of the relationship between mice and lupine populations in this globally rare ecosystem.

The Effect of Garlic Mustard (Alliaria Petiolata) Density on Soil Enzyme Activity in Northwest Ohio : A Gradient Analysis

Elizabeth W. Pisarczyk, E.L. Hammer, M.N. Weintraub, D.L. Moorhead. The University of Toledo

Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is a biennial herb, native to Eurasia that may have been imported to North America in the 1800’s and since has invaded most of the Eastern and Midwestern United States. It possesses allelopathic compounds in its leaf litter and root exudates that decrease the presence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, suppressing the germination of several hardwood tree species and other mycorrhizal species. Suppression of mycorrhizae suggests possible effects of garlic mustard on other soil microorganisms, and preliminary studies show impacts on bacterial community diversity and extracellular enzyme activity. We examined the effect of garlic mustard densities on soil enzyme activity in three forested plots in NW Ohio. Garlic mustard density gradients were identified at each site, and each gradient was divided into areas of high, medium and low density. A manipulative weeding experiment was also performed on other plots of high-density garlic mustard: plots were divided in half and one side was weeded whereas the other half remained a control. Monthly soil samples from both experiments were analyzed for enzyme activity, nutrient availability and microbial carbon and nitrogen content. Stepwise regressions produced few models that included garlic mustard density as a predictor of any single enzyme activity. A multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) suggested that there were significant differences in enzyme activity with density for one site, however similar results were not observed in the manipulative weeding experiment. The MANOVA for the split-plot weeding experiment revealed several significant differences in enzyme activity, however the majority of these differences were only observed once during the course of the study. These results suggest that garlic mustard density does not have a consistent effect on microbial enzyme activity over time and between study sites.

Potential Changes In Forest Plant Communities Resulting From Emerald Ash Borer Invasion In The Central Till Plain.

Benjamin Dolan, University of Findlay

Abstract: The invasion of emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) has resulted in the loss of ash species (Fraxinus spp.) in parts of the Midwest and other regions of the United States where the insect has been found. As the insect moves outward from its point of introduction near Detroit, Michigan, it kills native ash trees by feeding on the cambium and phloem. Trees typically die within 2-3 years following initial contact. Ash is a widely distributed genus in Midwestern woodlands, and it is a dominant species in wet-depressional sites of the glaciated till plains of Ohio and Indiana . While oak species (Quercus spp.) are often dominant in the canopy of many woodlands of this region, the loss of ash results in changes that include a decrease in plant species richness. Additionally, the rate of succession from an oak-hickory forest type to beech-maple may be hastened through the creation of small canopy gaps that favor growth of shade tolerant species. The potential impact of emerald ash borer on plant species diversity is not fully understood in woodlands of the Central Till Plain, and these impacts may include a further increase in the dominance of sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and other late successional species that are commonly found in abundance in the understory communities of oak-hickory forests.

A Comparison of Plant Root Extracellular Enzyme Activities between Native and Exotic Plants.

Michael R. Elk and Michael N. Weintraub, The University of Toledo

Exotic species are widely recognized as a major threat to biodiversity and have been the focus of many studies. Studies on how invasive exotic species gain a competitive edge are paramount to understanding how to manage them. One aspect being explored is the belowground effect of invasive species on native plants. Invasive plants can alter the chemistry of soil in their favor and an aspect that has not been well studied is enzymes secreted from plant roots. Extra-cellular enzymes are produced by microbes and plants in the soil and directly mediate organic matter breakdown. The activities of these enzymes have been used to link microbial activity, plant litter decomposition, and environmental conditions. These enzymes can be present on root surfaces or secreted by roots into the rhizosphere and are used by plants to exploit pools of organic nutrients in the soil. Examining the activities of extracellular enzymes on invasive plants’ roots in relation to native plants might shed some light on the success of these invasive plants. The objectives of this project include: 1) To measure plant root enzyme activity of both native and invasive plant species in the Oak Openings region and 2) compare enzyme activities between invasive and native plants to determine whether or not differences in root enzymes play a role in the success of invasive plants. To accomplish these objectives, roots from Lonicera maackii (Bush Honeysuckle), Rhamnus frangula (Glossy Buckthorn), Rosa multiflora (Multiflora Rose), Saponaria officinalis (Bouncing Bet or Soapwart), Centaurea maculosa (Spotted Knapweed), Alliaria petiolata (garlic mustard), and Vicia villosa (Hairy Vetch) and surrounding native plants will be screened for four enzymes that allow plants access to organic nitrogen and phosphorous, principal limiting nutrients to plant growth. By comparing root enzyme activity between these invasive species and surrounding native plants, it is hoped that some light can be shed on how invasive plant species gain a competitive edge over native plant species.

Deer me! : Assessing the Effects of White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) On the Black Oak / Lupine Barren

Amanda Kuntz and Karen Root, Bowling Green State University

The Oak Openings region of northwest Ohio is a unique mosaic of diverse communities that are closely intertwined; they run the gamut from Twigrush wet prairie to Midwest sand barrens. The globally rare Black Oak/ Lupine Barren is important to the federally endangered Karner Blue (Lycaeides melissa samuelis), state endangered Frosted Elfin (Incisalia irus), and state endangered Persius Dusky Wing (Erynnis persius) butterflies because their larvae all feed on the perennial wild blue lupine (Lupinus perennis) that is characteristic of this savanna community. The effects of the white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) on this unique, early successional habitat have not been investigated, though deer are common in the region and population statewide is on the rise. Deer browse on a wide variety of plants and have been shown to browse oak seedlings even when other forage is available. We evaluated deer abundance, proximity to lupine, and intensity of effect among six different sites located in the Oak Openings Region. Three of the sites were located in Oak Openings Metropark, two at Kitty Todd Nature Preserve and one in Meilke Road Savanna. We also measured relative abundance of deer and surveyed impact on vegetation. Our data indicate herds of varying sizes reside in several areas of oak savanna habitat that support populations of lupine and the deer appear to browse on the inflorescence of lupine. They also appear to browse more heavily on oak seedlings than on lupine. Intensity of browsing varies temporally as well as spatially within the oak savannas. The effect of the deer on the oak savanna is twofold. The deer help maintain this unique community through consumption of oak seedlings but, they also hinder the growth of blue lupine by reducing reproduction. This study yields insight into the interactions between deer and the rare Black Oak/ Lupine barren community.

Management

Impact of Land Management Practices on Prairie Ant Communities

Russel Friedrich, University of Toledo

Prairie ecosystems require disturbance to maintain native vegetation. Traditionally, prairie disturbance was caused by grazing/browsing animals, naturally occurring fires, and drought. More recently, management techniques of prescribed burning and mowing have been introduced to simulate these natural disturbances and to thereby maintain the native vegetation structure. Extensive studies have investigated vegetative responses to fire (both natural and prescribed), grazing, and mowing, however, there is a lack of information examining how animals and particularly insects are affected by these disturbances – especially when used as management practices. Insects are extremely important in prairie ecosystems, and ants in particular play vital ecological roles in nutrient cycling, soil turnover, predation, and seed dispersal. Ants also tend rare butterfly species in some prairies, protecting them from predators. Little is known, however, about how ants respond to prairie management practices. I investigated the impacts of prescribed burning and mowing on ant communities in the Oak Openings region of NW Ohio with the objective of examining short-term changes in ant richness, activity, and species composition after management activities. I sampled ants in 21 sites within the Oak Openings Metropark and Kitty Todd Nature Preserve. I divided sites into three treatments (burn, mow, control) with seven sites of each treatment. For the burn and mow treatments, I sampled three sites within 3 weeks of management, two sites within 6 months of last management, and two sites within 2 years of last management. The control sites have not been burned or mowed in over 2 years. I sampled ants with baits at each site once per month during fall 2008 and summer 2009. During initial ant surveys in the Oak Openings region, I recorded a total of 26 species with the possibility of one new state record (Dorymyrmex insanus). In pre-management surveys, I did not find any significant differences in ant richness or activity levels in control, mow, or burn plots. The most common species of ants encountered during fall surveys were Aphaenogaster treatae (32% of occurrences), Paratrechina parvula (15% of occurrences) and Formica exsectoides (13% of occurrences). Preliminary results in post-burn plots indicate that burning reduces ant activity by more than half compared with pre-burn surveys. This research will increase the limited knowledge of the effects of burning and mowing on ants and be the first complete list of the ant species in the prairies of the Oak Openings.

Results of Prescribed Burn Program at Ft Custer Training Center .

Daniel L. Zay, DLZ Michigan, Inc and Michele Richards, Fort Custer Training Center

Fort Custer Training Center (FCTC) is a 7500-acre National Guard training facility in the south-central portion of Michigan ’s Lower Peninsula . FCTC has conducted prescription burning to restore woodlands, savanna and prairie habitats throughout the facility as part of an integrated resource management plan. DLZ Michigan, Inc. (DLZ) supported the effort by producing the resource management plans, an Integrated Wildland Fire Management Plan (IWFMP) as well as providing prescription burn services to support the landscape restoration activities. Over the past six years, DLZ conducted prescription burns in addition to baseline floristic inventories and post burn monitoring of the management units. Prescribed fire was used to control invasive exotic species and to reintroduce fire as an ecological influence in the conservative habitats. In 2006, FCTC expanded the burn program to all training areas to capitalize on fire effects that promote the training functions of the facility. Control of multiflora rose and general thinning of woody undergrowth supports land navigation and other military training in the maneuver areas. Landscape scale management units where designed to capitalize on transitional effects of fire between habitat types. Post burn monitoring indicated that the target habitats responded well to the effects of burning. Grass species flourished and summer flowering forbs also displayed vigorous growth. Where fire pushed into oak savannas, rank sapling growth was reduced, exotic woody growth was controlled and savanna forbs responded positively to the increase of light at the herb layer. A facility-wide floristic survey in 2008 by the Michigan Natural Features Inventory confirmed a general positive response to management efforts in native plant communities and identified nine species new to the flora most of which are fire dependent species. Successive burns in the management units will be required to counter the previous long period of fire cessation.

Effects Of Long-Term Prescribed Burning On A The Vegetation Of A Savanna-Glade Mosaic In Lower Wilderness Area, Buffalo National River , NPS, Arkansas

Thomas P. Welsh, Sean E. Jenkins, James T. Lamer, Department of Biological Sciences, Western Illinois University and Michael A. Jenkins, Forestry & Natural Resources, Purdue University

Spring burns in 1995 and 1997 were initiated on 170 ha of a large savanna-glade complex in the Arkansas Ozarks. The unit included 5 plots of 18 permanent 500 m2 plots which were established at the site in 1993 as part of a study of the landscape scale effects of prescribed burning on savanna-glade complexes. A large 4, 566 ha burn unit which encompasses all 18 plots was burned in the spring 2004 and again in 2007. An initial survey of the ground flora, seedling, sapling, and overstory layers was conducted in 1993. Woody vegetation of the 5 initially burned plots was sampled after each of the first two fires. In 1999, the ground flora vegetation was surveyed on all 18 plots and the woody vegetation was sampled on the 13 unburned plots. The groundflora and woody vegetation on all 18 plots were surveyed again in the summer 2007 after the burn that spring. The two initially burns had the greatest impact on the sapling layer with mean percent of dead saplings per plot increasing from 3.2% in the initial preburn survey to 72.7% after the first burn and 64.7% after the second burn. Sapling mortality was greatest on upper slope positions and on a Pinus echinata dominated toe-slope but was lower after the second burn due to the reduction of fuels resulting from the first burn. Tree density (woody stems >5 cm dbh) was also reduced, but most fire-killed stems were small diameter trees and saplings. Overall, over 90% of the fire killed hardwood trees resprouted after the initial two fires. In all but two of the 18 plots, no dead saplings were found in 2007 after the burns in 2004 and 2007. In the two plots with dead saplings only 20% of the saplings were

dead. There has been a significant continuous overall reduction in the number of live saplings on all 18 plots with continued burning. Changes in ground flora richness were not significant on the 5 initially burn plots after any of the burns. Species evenness and Shannon Weiner diversity increased significantly on these 5 plots between the surveys. Significant changes in evenness and diversity may be due to the influence of burning in reducing the abundance and cover of dominant species. Species richness. Evenness and Shannon Weiner diversity significantly increased in the 13 initially unburned plots between the 1993 and 1999. Species richness showed a non significant decrease between the earlier surveys and the 2007 survey. However, E and H’ significantly increased on all plots regardless of substrate and community type. Fire induced reductions in small woody stem density and general increase in species diversity indicates that continued burning will be necessary to reduce basal area and reduce resprouting in order to maintain the savanna/glade complex.

Short-Term Effects Of Season Of Burn On Flowering Phenology Of Savanna Plants

Stacey A. Leicht-Young, Noel B. Pavlovic and Ralph Grundel, USGS

Oak savannas are a highly threatened habitat in the Midwestern United States. Despite their conservation importance, we do not know how season of burning affects flower production of savanna species. Prescribed burning of oak savannas is most often performed during the spring or fall dormant seasons, however, historically, oak savannas may also have burned during the growing season. We examined the effect of season of burn on flowering phenology of understory species in a mesic oak savanna in northwestern Indiana at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. Burn treatments consisted of both burned and unburned controls as well as a burn during the dormant season prior to sampling (early November), early season burn (early April), growing season burn (mid June), and late season burn (early October). We compared the number of flowering stems and the number of flowers for species overall as well as for early, midseason and late flowering species, for perennial forbs, graminoids and shrubs, and for the twenty most prolifically flowering individual species. We also examined how burning affected the height of flowering stems of three species in the Asteraceae. We found that there were five distinct flowering phenoperiods corresponding to the peaks of flowering throughout the sampling period. Overall, burns that occurred while plants were actively growing had a significantly negative effect on number of flowering stems and total number of flowers. Shrubs as a group were most negatively affected by the burns, with significantly fewer flowering stems and flowers during four of the five phenoperiods as a result of the early and growing season burns. Only six individual species showed negative effects from the burns while they were in active growth. We did not observe flowering enhanced by burns that occurred during the dormant season or when plants were not actively growing. Flowering stems of the late blooming Asteraceae were significantly shorter for plants burned during the growing season than in other burn seasons or controls. Burns that occur when oak savanna plants are actively growing could negatively affect future growth and reproduction of these plant species, especially if the burns occur annually at the same time of year, especially in the early spring when early blooming forbs and shrubs can be the most damaged. If these species fail to flower each year, there will be a lower potential for long distance dispersal from fruits. Therefore, it may be important to either allow a reprieve between burning, or burn at alternative times of the year to allow species to flower in between burns.

Biodiversity

Dragonflies and Damselflies of the Oak Openings

Rick Nirschl, Toledo Naturalists' Association

Dragonflies and damselflies are some of our most beautiful insects and photography is one of the best ways to appreciate that beauty. The program begins with a brief description of the anatomy of dragonflies and shows their life cycle from egg to nymph to their emergence as adults. We'll then look photographs of about 50 species that can be found in the Oak Openings region and end with new species that have been found in the past two years.

Orchids of the Oak Openings

Eric Durbin

A report of on-going survey of the orchids of the Oak Openings region, illustrated with photos of the plants and their habitats, with discussion of earlier researchers.

Landscape Context Influences Native And Nonnative Plant Species Richness In Remnant Oak Openings Prairies

Timothy Schetter and Karen Root, Bowling Green State University and Timothy Walters, The Mannik and Smith Group

The 480-km2 Oak Openings region of northwestern Ohio features one of only a few landscape-scale oak savanna systems remaining in the Midwest . Approximately 72% of the region’s land cover has been converted to urban or agricultural uses while many of the remaining plant communities have been substantially modified by anthropogenic disturbances. Regionally, remnant upland prairies now occupy <100 ha, occurring in isolated patches ranging in size from <0.1 to 10 ha. As part of an ongoing study, we examined relationships between plant diversity (total, native, non-native), environmental variables (e.g., soil, topography) and landscape characteristics (e.g., patch metrics, management) within 15 randomly selected remnant prairies using 1000-m2 modified-Whittaker, multi-scale plots. Using readily available GIS / remote sensing data, we evaluated the influence of landscape heterogeneity, edaphic characteristics, topographic variables and site management history for each site at four nested spatial extents. Collectively, we recorded 252 vascular plant species at these 15 sites, capturing 20% of the region’s known plant species. The relationship between plant species richness and characteristics of the surrounding landscape varied depending on the spatial extent being considered. Site management history (i.e. the application of restoration treatments) was positively related to mean plant species richness at the sub-plot level, but was less predictive of species richness at larger spatial extents. The Ohio floristic quality assessment index (FQAI) was a better predictor of site management history at larger spatial extents. By evaluating the associated environmental and landscape factors, we are able to highlight some of the important factors influencing plant species richness in remnant prairie ecosystems. In addition, our study highlights the importance of considering scale and landscape context for conservation planning and restoration.

Bee Diversity Of Northwestern Ohio 's Oak Openings.

Michael Arduser, Missouri Department of Conservation

Much of Ohio 's Oak Openings biodiversity is well-documented, but its bee fauna has never been inventoried. A survey of Oak Openings bees was begun in the mid-1990's to establish a baseline of bee diversity for the region, to assess the importance of natural communities to bee diversity, and to identify plant species that support Oak Openings bee diversity. Over 160 species of bees have been identified in the area, including several rare or poorly-known species. Results are compared with recent bee surveys elsewhere in the midwest. Important bee plants are discussed and the conservation status of several bee species highlighted.

Lupinus perennis at the Alderville Black Oak Savanna, Ontario: Preliminary Data, Observations, and Methods

Heather Francis, Trent University

Wild blue lupines are an integral part of oak savanna ecosystems. Not only is it in indicator species for high quality savannas, it is the host plant for three critically threatened butterflies species – the Karner blue (Lycaeides melissa samuelis), the Frosted elfin (Callophrys irus), and the Eastern Persius Duskywing (Erynnis persius persius) in Ontario and many parts of the United States . These species and so many others are reliant on large lupine populations for various life processes. One element that needs further research and understanding is the reproductive effort of the wild blue lupine. While population size, inbreeding, environmental factors, and methods to establish and extend populations have received some attention, a key player that influences growth in plants, phytohormones, has not been addressed (Shi et al 2005, Michaels et al 2008). This paper seeks to identify and quantify some of the key plant hormones involved in reproduction of wild blue lupine plants, with the Alderville Black Oak Savanna ( Ontario, Canada ) as the study population. Plant hormones are responsible for the signaling, maintenance, and control of many aspects of plant growth and development. Specifically, cytokinins are involved in initiating and sustaining cell division and elongation (Sakakibara 2006)). For example, cytokinins are found in high abundance in lupine seed as the pods are filling and experiencing rapid growth (Emery et al 2000). Researching lupine reproduction involves close monitoring in the field for key reproductive stages such as floral initiation, anthesis, pod set, and seed maturity. During this time, samples are collected that are used to determine the types and abundance of cytokinins present in the lupine during reproduction. By collecting, extracting, analyzing, and interpreting the abundance and types of cytokinins present in wild blue lupine and comparing this to known lupine species, differences between these can be found. This will aid in understanding the reproduction of this key savanna species. Lupine samples include flower, pod, and seed tissue as well as phloem collected from tiny incisions on the plant stalk and the developing pods tip. Phloem and tissue samples are collected throughout the reproductive phase

and processed using the technique described by Dobrev and Kaminek (2002). Extracted cytokinins are identified and quantified using high performance liquid chromatography, tandem mass spectrometry. As a result of multiple years of monitoring at the Alderville Black Oak Savanna it has been shown that approximately 60% of the plants that set flower, set pod. This is supported in the literature, as it is not uncommon for ten percent of lupine flowers to produce viable seed (Dracup and Kirby 1997). There are many factors that impact this, such as environmental conditions including light levels, soil conditions including pH and moisture content, herbivory, and pollination. Preliminary results show that there is good recovery of cytokinins from the phloem samples during the reproductive phase and that the types of cytokinins found match other know lupine species. The abundance of cytokinins does vary when compared to the white lupine. This will be verified by growing and testing white lupine for the levels of cytokinins, as established in the literature, which has been grown along wild blue lupine, experiencing the same environmental variables. This illustrates that cytokinins are playing a role in wild blue lupine reproduction and this merits further examination and experimentation to determine what their level of influence is on reproduction. The knowledge gathered through this study leads to greater understanding of why lupine populations are difficult to establish and expand, especially when paired with information about other variables like population size, inbreeding, pollination, seedling recruitment and other environmental conditions and variables.

The Effects of Inter-Annual Climate Variability and Habitat Heterogeneity on Butterfly Communities of the Oak Openings Region, Northwest Ohio

Jessica Schaefer, University of Toledo

Named by the Nature Conservancy as one of the 200 “Last Great Places on Earth,” the Oak Openings (OO) Region is home to more endangered and threatened species than any other region its size in the state of Ohio . Three of Ohio ’s eight listed endangered butterfly species are only found within the OO region. While several studies have examined the impact of climate variability on butterfly communities, few have focused on temperate heterogeneous landscapes. The objective of this study was to examine the effects of climate variability and habitat variation on butterfly species richness, diversity, and community composition in the OO region. Butterfly surveys were conducted on an approximately one-mile long transect loop by Metroparks of the Toledo Area Naturalists from 1999-2008. The transect was divided into eight habitat sections and sampled approximately once weekly from April through October, using a method based largely on Pollard and Yates (1994). In the past decade, 79 species and 8,668 individuals have been recorded. Preliminary results suggest that butterfly abundance is positively correlated with increasing annual minimum temperature, while butterfly species richness, abundance, and community composition varies with changes in habitat. Prairie-forest edge has the highest abundance and species richness, while woodland and dense oak savanna have the lowest abundance and species richness. Understanding how climate variability and changes in habitat affect butterfly communities in the OO is critical for developing successful management plans.

POSTER SESSION

Restoring Oak Savanna, Woodland, and Wet Prairie in the Northwestern Ohio Oak Openings Region

Scott R. Abella, Public Lands Institute and Department of Environmental Studies, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Timothy A. Schetter, Metroparks of the Toledo Area, John F. Jaeger, Metroparks of the Toledo Area (retired), and Timothy L. Walters, The Mannik & Smith Group

Biota of Midwestern oak savanna regions evolved in open-structured ecosystems that were virtually eliminated during the 1900s by fire suppression and changing land uses. We report the results of a five-year experiment involving tree thinning and burning treatments initiated in 1998 to restore open-structured oak savanna, woodland, and wet prairie ecosystems on fire-suppressed forest sites in northwestern Ohio’s Oak Openings Region. Analysis of successional trends suggests that treatments shifted plant species composition of the restoration sites toward Oak Openings composition during the five-year experiment, while controls changed little. For example, 16, 0.05-ha control plots contained only two Ohio state-listed plant species, while 24 restoration plots supported 18 state-listed species post-treatment. Soil characteristics constrained vegetation responses to restoration, results which can be a management tool to identify site conditions needed to produce a desired restoration ecosystem. Restoration in this region has increased native plant diversity, sustained rare Ohio species, and enhanced ecosystem diversity by reestablishing the open-structured ecosystems required by many species.

Natural Seedling Recruitment: Implications for the Management of a Threatened Species

Mike Plenzer and Helen Michaels, Bowling Green State University

Seedling recruitment and establishment are key stages in the growth and maintenance of viable plant populations. Lupinus perennis (Wild blue lupine) is a long-lived oak savanna indicator species and the sole larval food source for several endangered or threatened butterflies. Since L. perennis is known to respond favorably to fire, land managers use a mosaic of controlled burns and field mowings to improve habitat for both plant and butterflies. However, it is unknown whether lupine populations are successfully recruiting and establishing under this management. We quantified natural lupine seedling recruitment and establishment throughout seven sites with known management histories in the Oak Openings region of Northwest Ohio and collected a range of environmental measurements at each seedling and used initial seedling size as a proxy for emergence time. Seedling recruitment and establishment varied across the region. A large fall cohort of lupine seedlings was followed and found to have comparable and higher rates of establishment than their spring counterparts. Logistic regressions revealed that soil moisture, moss cover, ferns, source populations, and initial seedling sizes increased the probabilities of survival to July 1 and establishment in spring 2008, while increased light levels decreased the probabilities of survival. Initial seedling size and source population also explained spring 2008 seedling size. Litter depth decreased with increasing management activity and prescribed fires since 2000 and is known to inhibit lupine emergence times. This suggests that litter removal should be a key concern for management practices, but the overall effects of mosses, ferns, soil moistures, and light levels creating suitable microhabitats for lupine seedling survival and establishment should also be emphasized when designing management regimes.

Surprise Fall Cohorts Contribute to the Population Viability of a Threatened Species

Mike Plenzer and Helen Michaels, Bowling Green State University

Seedling recruitment and establishment are key stages in the growth and maintenance of viable plant populations. Lupinus perennis (Wild blue lupine) is a long-lived oak savanna indicator species and the sole larval food source for endangered or threatened butterflies. While the seeds of this species typically overwinter and germinate in May, seedlings may appear later when conditions are favorable for germination. Usually, these plants are believed to contribute little to population size, however, in September 2007, we observed a large number of naturally-dispersed lupine seedlings emerge in two remnant oak savannas in Northwest Ohio. In order to determine whether this cohort could add to local population viability, we measured each seedling’s size and marked them in the field to determine whether any would establish into juvenile plants the following spring. These results were then compared with a concurrent study examining recruitment and establishment for lupine seedlings that had emerged in spring 2007. 88 new seedlings were marked in one remnant savanna, while 111 more were marked in the other. In May 2008, 45% and 69% of these seedlings reemerged in the study sites, respectively. These establishment rates were generally larger than those rates seen for the spring seedling cohort (18 – 50%), however, juvenile plant size was found to be no different between the spring and fall lupine cohorts. This evidence aids restoration practitioners who manually seed their lupine populations in the fall and burn them the following spring, as it is now know that these plants can grow to become juveniles over a short period of time. However, it remains inconclusive whether fall recruitment pulses can substantially contribute to population viability if these events only occur at low frequencies. Ultimately, climatic factors, such as rainfall and temperature, will influence the likelihood of these outcomes. However, in a climate change scenario where these habitats become wetter, these events may become more widespread. At the very least, this study yields valuable information to lupine restoration programs concerned with the success of fall seedlings, as we now know that large numbers of these plants can become established before winter’s arrival.

Effects of prescribed burning on soil properties in the Oak Openings Region of Northwestern Ohio

Danielle Kurek and Michael Weintraub, University of Toledo

The Oak Openings Region of Northwestern Ohio is a rare ecosystem formed 13,000 years ago when glacial lake warren deposited a layer of sand in the area. It is home to numerous endangered plant and animal species, including the Karner Blue Butterfly. The native prairies of the region relied on periodic disturbances, such as wildfires, to prevent woody plant growth and invasive species from taking over the natural landscape. Native Americans recognized the importance of periodic burns and helped maintain this natural occurrence, however, during the mid to late nineteenth century, anthropogenic influences on the landscape suppressed these natural fires. Recently, land managers have taken an interest in restoring the periodic burns to help manage the native prairies. Numerous studies have been performed globally on the effects prescribed burns have on an ecosystem, but most focus vegetation effects. Few look at other aspects, and none have looked into effects on the soils of the Oak Openings Region. This study aims to fill this void. Six sites will be sampled within the Oak Openings Metropark, three receiving prescribed burns and three control sites that will receive no treatment. An additional two sites, one prescribed burn and one control, will be sampled at Kitty Todd Nature Preserve. Soil samples will be taken at each site prior to a prescribed burn and at four intervals after the burn. Soil microbes release enzymes to acquire nutrients from the soil and are sensitive to changes in the environment, making them excellent indicators of soil quality. Seven microbial enzymes (acid Phosphatase, â-glucosidase, leucine amino peptidase, urease, phenol oxidase, and peroxidase) will be monitored to assess changes in the soil environment. Preliminary results are thus far inconclusive. Continued sampling and data analysis are occurring with final results pending.

Lupine Seed Predation: The Effects of Seed Color and Substrate

Ellen Wakeley and Helen Michaels, Bowling Green State University

Lupinus perennis (Wild blue lupine) is an integral part of midwestern oak savannah ecosystems. Because lupine provides food and habitat for the animals of the oak savannah, including the endangered or threatened butterflies, it is necessary to understand what happens to seeds after they disperse to determine the long-term viability of populations. Oak savannas are actively managed by fire, which alters litter and vegetation density as well as soil characteristics. We hypothesized that the rate of lupine seed removal by animals would be affected by seed coat color and substrate color; specifically, that those seeds that are similar in color to the substrate will be taken less often because they are more difficult for predators to see. A five-week seed color/substrate experiment tested for differences in seed removal rates using light vs. dark colored seeds and substrates created using field collected surface material from burned and unburned patches. Spatial and temporal patterns in seed removal rates were also assessed using ArcGIS. Removal rates averaged 65% across all treatments and increased from July to August. Dark-colored seeds had higher removal rates than light-colored seeds, regardless of substrate, with the highest removal rates for dark seeds on the sand background and white seeds on the sand background with the lowest. Vegetative cover and distance to roads and water also influenced removal rates. This study indicates that seed predation rates may significantly impact recruitment, and that this may vary depending on seed coat polymorphism and management history of the site.

Analysis Of Climatic Indices In Former And Present Karner Blue Butterfly Habitats

Enrique Gomezdelcampo, Huidong Liu, Dr. Helen J. Michaels, Dr. Karen V. Root, Bowling Green State University

The Karner Blue butterfly is a federally endangered species that once was widely distributed throughout the oak savanna and woodlands of 12 states along the northern part of the United States and Ontario, Canada . Now it only exists in seven states. Many factors are considered to have affected the extinction of this species and this study examines the effect of climate change on the persistence of the Karner Blue butterfly. Thirteen ecologically-relevant climatic indices of daily temperature and precipitation from meteorological stations for the 1950s to 2005 were created and analyzed for patterns and trends in locations where the KBB still has viable numbers and in places where it disappeared. Statistical analyses including t-tests and ANOVA were used to compare these indices within two time periods among five sites ( Allegan, MI, Fort McCoy, WI, and Saratoga, NY, Oak Openings, OH, and Pinery, Ontario ). The results showed that different indices have changed differently among the five sites. The number of extreme hot days and number of extreme cold days per year have a statistically significant change in the sites where the Karner Blue butterfly disappeared. The precipitation-related indices do not show a statistically significant different trend among the five sites. Temperature seems to have more of an effect on the existence of the Karner Blue butterfly. Furthermore, butterfly population size and lake effects are also important factors that cannot be neglected. Larger populations seem to have better chances to survive during a dramatic climate change event.

Potential Changes In Forest Plant Communities Resulting From Emerald Ash Borer Invasion In The Central Till Plain.

Benjamin Dolan, University of Findlay

The invasion of emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis) has resulted in the loss of ash species (Fraxinus spp.) in parts of the Midwest and other regions of the United States where the insect has been found. As the insect moves outward from its point of introduction near Detroit, Michigan, it kills native ash trees by feeding on the cambium and phloem. Trees typically die within 2-3 years following initial contact. Ash is a widely distributed genus in Midwestern woodlands, and it is a dominant species in wet-depressional sites of the glaciated till plains of Ohio and Indiana . While oak species (Quercus spp.) are often dominant in the canopy of many woodlands of this region, the loss of ash results in changes that include a decrease in plant species richness. Additionally, the rate of succession from an oak-hickory forest type to beech-maple may be hastened through the creation of small canopy gaps that favor growth of shade tolerant species. The potential impact of emerald ash borer on plant species diversity is not fully understood in woodlands of the Central Till Plain, and these impacts may include a further increase in the dominance of sugar maple (Acer saccharum) and other late successional species that are commonly found in abundance in the understory communities of oak-hickory forests.

Predicting bee distribution across an open-savanna-forest gradient in Northwest Indiana

Krystalynn J. Frohnapple, Ralph Grundel, Robert P. Jean, Gary A. Glowacki, Peter E. Scott, Noel B. Pavlovic, USGS

Possible pollinator declines around the world, colony collapse disorder (CCD), and what has been called the “Pollination Crisis” have not only raised public awareness and concern but have illustrated to the research community the need to better understand pollinators in our own backyards. We must first understand the ecology and distribution patterns of local bee communities before we can respond to the many unanswered questions about the status and conservation needs of native bee pollinators. We examined how plant community composition, plant diversity, bee nesting resources, canopy cover, human land use, and fire history affect bee distributions across an open-savanna-forest gradient in northwest Indiana, a landscape mosaic that once spanned the Midwest from Texas to Minnesota . When considered along with the other predictors, plant community composition was not a significant predictor of bee community composition. Bee abundance was negatively related to canopy cover and positively related to recent fire frequency, bee richness was positively related to plant richness and availability of potential nesting resources, and bee community composition was significantly related to plant richness, nesting resources, canopy cover, and nearby residential development. Thus, bee abundance and richness were most related to different sets of environmental characteristics and bee community composition was predicted mainly by a combination of significant predictors of bee abundance and bee richness. Neither similarity of bee community composition, nor of bee abundance, nor of richness between sites was significantly related to proximity of sites to each other. The findings indicate that patterns of plant diversity, nesting resource availability, recent fire, and habitat shading, present at the scale of a few hundred meters, are key determinants of bee community patterns in the mosaic open-savanna-forest landscape.

Conservation Value of Oak Savannas for Birds

Ralph Grundel, USGS

We evaluated the ecological distinctiveness and conservation value of savannas and woodlands by examining bird distributions across a fire-maintained, woody vegetation gradient in northwest Indiana encompassing five habitats – open habitats with low canopy cover, savannas, woodlands, scrublands, and forests - during avian migration, breeding, and overwinter. Bird community composition in savannas and woodlands was intermediate to, but significantly different from, composition in open and forest habitats. Few bird species were consistently and highly concentrated in savannas or woodlands. We assessed possible associations of bird species with savannas and other threatened habitats in the region by relating fire frequency and vegetation characteristics to seasonal densities of 72 bird species distributed across an open-forest gradient in northwestern Indiana . About one-third of the species did not exhibit statistically significant relationships with any combination of seven vegetation characteristics that included vegetation cover in five vertical strata, dead tree density, and tree height. For 40% of the remaining species, models best predicting species density incorporated tree density. Therefore, management based solely on manipulating tree density may not be an adequate strategy for managing bird populations along this open-forest gradient. Few species exhibited sharp peaks in predicted density under habitat conditions expected in restored savannas, suggesting that few savanna specialists occur among Midwestern bird species. Fire frequency was a significant predictor of bird community composition and was positively related to species diversity, spring transient migrant density, and density of the most threatened species. When fire frequency, measured over fifteen years, was added to vegetation characteristics as a predictor of species density, it was incorporated into models for about one-quarter of species, suggesting that fire may modify habitat characteristics in ways that are important for birds but not captured by the structural habitat variables measured. To understand benefits of different potential landscape compositions, we evaluated how different proportions of five habitats - open, savanna, woodland, scrub, and forest - might affect the conservation value of the northwest Indiana landscape for birds. Two variables of potential conservation importance were examined, Species Diversity, a measure of avian community richness, and Conservation Index, the percentage of a bird species’ global population occurring on a hectare of landscape, summed across all bird species present. Higher values of Conservation Index were associated with higher local densities of globally rarer and more threatened species. Conservation Index and Species Diversity were negatively correlated across hypothetical landscapes composed of different proportions of the five habitats. Therefore, a management trade-off existed between Conservation Index and Species Diversity because landscapes that maximized Species Diversity differed from landscapes that maximized Conservation Index. A landscape of 50% open, 22% savanna, 15% scrub, and 13% forest was predicted to represent a compromise at which Conservation Index and Species Diversity reached the same percentage of their maxima.

Vernal Pools in the Oak Openings Region: A Survey of Bio-diversity

Eileen Sawyer

For the past five years, a vernal pool survey has taken place at different sites in the Metroparks of the Toledo area within oak openings and woodland environments. The program has involved naturalist volunteers, the Toledo ZooTeens, community members of all ages, and local college students. Participants explored the pools and the surrounding environments within these special habitats for three to eight months. This ecosystem-based research program included recording aquatic macro-invertebrates, plants, fungi, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and other life forms. The research information collected by the volunteers was shared with the Toledo Metroparks and The Ohio Environmental Council’s Vernal Pool Partnership program. The majority of the pools were within the oak openings region, but it was discovered that every vernal pool was unique in its mix of species found in and around it regardless of its proximity to other vernal pools. Last year several new species were captured that had not been observed during the previous years. The pictures of these life forms await the scrutiny of experts. The uniqueness of the vernal pools points to the need to protect these vulnerable wetlands within oak openings regions.

How EAB facilitates a secondary spread of invasive plant species: Impacts of EAB eradication, and tree mortality

Constance E Hausman, Oscar J Rocha, Kent State University and John F Jaeger, Toledo Area Metroparks (retired)

Since the discovery of the Emerald Ash Borer in 2002, eradication efforts have been implemented in an attempt to eliminate or contain the spread of this beetle. At the time, the eradication protocol called for the removal of every ash tree within a half mile radius around an infested tree. In 2005 this study was established to identify environmental changes attributed to the eradication program and measure subsequent shifts in forest community composition and structure. This project compares areas that received the eradication treatment (all ash trees cut down), to areas that were left uncut, (control, ash still standing). Fourteen 20mx25m plots (8 uncut and 6 cut) were established within Pearson Metropark Lucas County, Ohio. The goal of this project is to identify how the plant community is responding in these two areas. Specifically it is designed to describe the successional stages of plant colonization after a disturbance event, such as the eradication protocol, and to determine the potential for a secondary spread of invasive plant species. The eradication protocol accelerated the formation and size of gaps within the forest and thus increased the duration and intensity of light penetrating through to the forest floor. In addition, the vehicles used during the eradication efforts caused significant soil compaction. The degree of soil compaction in 2006 was greater in cut versus uncut plots, with those results detectable at each depth of the soil profile (P<0.0001). These environmental changes impacted the composition of the herbaceous community. Shannon ’s Diversity Index (H′) was assessed for the plant understory. Higher diversity was detected in cut plots (H′="0.56)" where there is greater disturbance compared to uncut plots (H′="0.43)(P=0.005). Species composition differences were also detected between treatments. Out of 73 species surveyed, 13 were non-native, all of which were present within cut plots including 10 that were found exclusively within cut plots. The spread of EAB is going to increase the light environment. However, do eradication efforts cause a further compounding negative effect by providing a physical disturbance? In 2007, another treatment was added to isolate the impact of an increased light environment without the effects of soil compaction. Six new plots, designated as cut without compaction, had all ash removed within them but without using vehicles. By adding the cut without compaction treatment, we will be able to determine if the eradication protocol has greater detrimental effects on the integrity of the forest habitats.

Using GIS to Assess Change in Distribution of Oak Ecosystems in McHenry County, IL

Ben Haberthur, McHenry County Conservation District

The McHenry County Conservation District (MCCD), in northern Illinois, began an intensive mapping project in 2007 to determine the extent of change to the distribution of oak ecosystems in the county from 1837 to present. This project involved the utilization of Geographic Information System software to create four separate temporal layers of oak distribution. The first layer established a baseline for the distribution of all oak community types based on the 1837 government land office survey notes for the county. The second layer utilized maps compiled from the 1872 Combination Atlas and Plat Book for McHenry County . The third layer is based on the earliest aerial photography collected for the county, 1939. The final layer, present day, is based on high resolution (2 foot) aerial photography flown in 2005. As feared, the cumulative oak loss across the county has been staggering, with over 87% of the county’s original oak ecosystems no longer in existence or intensely modified by development so as to render them ecologically unsustainable. However, the news hasn’t been all bad. The dramatic story of the oaks’ decline galvanized the Land Conservancy of McHenry County (TLC) to reverse the trend, raise public awareness, and document the health of the county’s remaining 48 stands of 50 acres or more. They are achieving there goals through an initiative entitled Project Quercus. Under the auspices of project quercus, TLC has trained groups of volunteers (Oak Keepers) for the last two years to visit the remaining 50+ acre groves on private land, document the ecological health of the groves and distribute a map book entitled the Oaks of McHenry County to private landowners. First year results of the citizen-scientist Oak Keepers proved exciting and were highlighted by finding the only county record for swamp-white oak (Quercus bicolor), and the uncovering of a privately owned 70 acre grove including 60 oaks larger than 100 cm in diameter.

Update of the Flora of the Oak Openings Region of Ohio

Tim Walters, The Mannik and Smith Group

The Oak Openings Region stretches diagonally from Monroe Michigan to Liberty Center Henry County, Ohio with a second smaller patch that stretches from Lyons southwest to Wauseon in Fulton County, Ohio . In 1999, this region was designated one of The Nature Conservancy’s 200 Last Great Places. The 130 square-mile region is characterized by post-glacial beach ridges and swales created as glacial Lake Warren retreated 12,000 years ago at the end of the Wisconsinian glaciation. These ancient beaches have evolved into the oak-dominated sand ridges interspersed with sedge-grass dominated palustrine wetlands. This combination of savannas, wet and dry prairies and forests home to the highest concentration of rare species than anywhere else in Ohio . In 1928, Edwin Moseley documented 715 vascular plant species in the region. For the past decade, an updated flora of the region has been compiled by examining vouchered specimens from many of the regional herbaria and numerous field collections. Thus far, over 13,000 vascular plant species have been documented in the Oak Openings Region. Of these, approximately 160 are listed on Ohio ’s rare plant list. This is approximately 32% of the 503 rare plants in Ohio . Approximately 80% are native to the state of Ohio (as compared to 89% in 1928). Also, the number of non-native species has increased by four fold. With the ever present development pressures facing his region from the western expansion of the Toledo area, this survey allow an updated detailed look at the flora of one of Ohio rarest regions.

The Green Ribbon Initiative

Rick Bryan and Jan Hunter

The Green Ribbon Initiative was formed when we recognized that the current preserved areas in the Oak Openings Region were at risk of becoming islands as development surrounded the region. In order for the region to be a viable ecosystem over the long term, critical areas between the currently preserved areas needed to be protected. The idea of creating a green corridor to connect the currently protected areas became our objective. In 2000 we identified 6000 acres of high quality habitat in the Oak Openings Region that was still potentially available for preservation. We identified land purchases, conservation easements and private land restoration as methods to create the corridor. Since 2000 approximately 1500 acres in the corridor have been protected and perhaps around 300 acres have been developed. The Metroparks Toledo Area, The Nature Conservancy and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources have made land purchases in the corridor area. The Green Ribbon Initiative is the primary program in place to coordinate those habitat preservation efforts. The steering committee of the Green Ribbon Initiative consists mainly of the preserve land owners or other conservation stakeholders in the Oak Openings Region. We also formed an advisory committee that has members from business, education, government and other agencies.