Sustainable land practices for restoring native ecosystems in the Willamette Valley
Faculty mentor/Supervisor:
Elizabeth K Swanson
Email Address:
Department Affiliation:
Forest Ecosystems & Society
Project Location:
At Oregon State University and Noble Oaks field location in the Willamette Valley near Salem, Oregon.
Project Description:
This project evaluates the potential for use of several ecologically based tools for restoring native prairie and oak savanna systems in the Willamette Valley. These tools include ungulate grazing and prescribed burning. The distinct grazing strategies and selection of unique grazer species (goats, elk, deer, cattle, horses, sheep) will be examined and compared. Both population and community level data will be collected. Impacts on non-native vegetation, native species recruitment, fitness and persistence will be calculated.
Describe the type of work and tasks you anticipate the student will perform:
Students will identify plants and collect data on native flora in the Willamette Valley prairie and Oak Savanna systems.
Please list special or preferred skills::
Botanical identification skills for Willamette Valley Flora
Hourly rate of pay:
17
What is the expected timeline of this project?:
This is an ongoing project with most undergraduate field activity occurring between April and June. The student is involved in other activities between October and March. These include data entry and contributing to grant applications. Weekly schedule will vary depending on workload and students class load each term. Hours per week will be between 0-10.
Are special skills or knowledge required to work on this project?:
Yes
Will training be provided?:
No
How many hours per week do you anticipate a student to work?:
0-10
How many hours per week do you anticipate engaging in direct mentorship?:
0-10
Detail your mentorship plan:
Meetings with the MEP students take place as frequently as desired by the student (with a minimum of once a month required), throughout the academic year. Mentorship in my lab includes my guidance and support in other aspects of the student’s life besides academics. I promote positive critical thinking skills and growth mindsets to tackle external challenges. The students in my group are typically non-traditional and not necessarily on a research track so we spend a lot of time defining other career options and skills to achieve certain goals.