Project Lead: Dylan Chapple
Sponsor: Suding Lab, Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management
TGIF Grant: $12,388
Project Theme: Habitat Restoration
Project Description: Fitting Plant to Place will refine the trait-based approach tested by the 2012 TGIF Grant Filling the Weed-Shaped Hole by measuring soil characteristics (moisture, organic matter content, nitrogen, texture and pH) and landscape factors (proximity to road, slope, and surrounding vegetation communities) at each site before planting. Fitting Plant to Place will also engage 500 volunteers and improve the efficiency and standards of the Strawberry Creek volunteer program.
Project Goals: This grant will assist two undergraduate students selected from Dr. Suding’s Restoration Ecology course with senior thesis projects tracking restoration success, mapping soil conditions along the creek, engaging community members, and compiling findings into a restoration guide. These students will also lead and organize volunteer days with various student groups around campus and oversee the Strawberry Creek Native Plant Nursery.