Root Lab Summer 2015

Here is an introduction to who's who in the Root Lab this summer:
You already heard previously about me and how I work on ash tree dynamics and the impact/recovery from emerald ash borer beetles.

Ash Seedling By: RHK

Emerald Ash Borer Beetle By: KSK

Christian Nordal is analyzing roadside variables that influence bat species richness, diversity, and composition.  This is an extension of what Jessica S. was previously investigating. 

Little Brown Bat By: USFWS

Sara Zaleski is analyzing environmental factors that affect avian presence in roadside agricultural ditches.  Look for her thesis soon!

Great Blue Heron By: USFWS

Amanda Martin examined species diversity, richness, and spatial patterns of herpetofauna in the Oak Openings Preserve Metropark near Swanton, OH.

N. Leopard Frog By: DWH

Matt Cross is researching the spatial ecology of Eastern box turtles in the Oak Openings Region.

Eastern box turtle By: J. Lynch, NPS

An Introduction to the Emerald Ash Borer Beetle

     The emerald ash borer beetle (EAB)(Agrilus planipennis) has been an invasive pest species to Ohio for a number of years and has spread to many other states.  It has made such an impact that many people already know what it is and why it is bad.  Just in case you don't remember, EAB is a beetle from Asia that made its way to Detroit and had become a problem because it only targets ash trees (Fraxinus species) to survive.  Our ash trees were not ready to handle EAB and most of them have died in our area.  For more information on EAB see this website: http://www.emeraldashborer.info
     I (Rachel K) had been working for a number of summers as a forest technician, collecting data in the NW Ohio area for the USDA Forest Service on EAB and ash trees. This research has been headed by Dr. Kathleen Knight at the Forest Service and if your interested in any of her publications you can find them here: KS Knight Publications
I'm now starting my research towards a PhD and looking to further our knowledge on the recovery of areas hit by EAB. I have first started work with Dr. Root and Dr. Knight on creating a computer model that estimates the ash tree populations expected survival based on ash surveys in the NW Ohio area.  There are still ash trees alive in this area, but most are young and small.  I hope to find out how many are still out there and what there chances are of survival.

Chevrolet wants to help save bats

Check out this article on how the makers of Chevy Volt want to take its old parts and make it into bat houses! Chevrolet helps flying mammals