Surveying Biodiversity in Restored Prairie
Advisor(s)
Dr. Leslie Riley
Confirmation
1
Document Type
Poster
Location
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Start Date
11-4-2025 11:00 AM
End Date
11-4-2025 11:50 AM
Abstract
Grasslands are vital for biodiversity and ecosystem services such as erosion control, carbon sequestration, rainfall infiltration, and wildlife and pollinator habitat. However, grasslands have been severely compromised by the impacts of agriculture, climate change, urbanization, invasive plants, and altered disturbance regimes (McFarlane et al., 2023 and Gannon et al., 2024). The restoration of grassland ecosystems is crucial to the mitigation of global biodiversity loss and maintenance of essential ecosystem functions (McFarlane et al., 2023). With this study, we intend to evaluate the progression of floral and pollinating insect richness and diversity in restored prairie habitats over time by monitoring three restored prairie plots of varying ages located at the ONU Metzger Nature Center. The primary objectives are to assess whether the richness and diversity of native plants and invertebrates increase as restored prairie areas develop. Additionally, this study will explore the role of floral diversity in supporting populations of pollinating insects. The results of this research will allow us to further understand how prairie restoration efforts can improve biodiversity of native plants and invertebrates.
Recommended Citation
Sherrod, Gabrielle, "Surveying Biodiversity in Restored Prairie" (2025). ONU Student Research Colloquium. 57.
https://digitalcommons.onu.edu/student_research_colloquium/2025/Posters/57
Open Access
Available to all.
Surveying Biodiversity in Restored Prairie
ONU McIntosh Center; Activities Room
Grasslands are vital for biodiversity and ecosystem services such as erosion control, carbon sequestration, rainfall infiltration, and wildlife and pollinator habitat. However, grasslands have been severely compromised by the impacts of agriculture, climate change, urbanization, invasive plants, and altered disturbance regimes (McFarlane et al., 2023 and Gannon et al., 2024). The restoration of grassland ecosystems is crucial to the mitigation of global biodiversity loss and maintenance of essential ecosystem functions (McFarlane et al., 2023). With this study, we intend to evaluate the progression of floral and pollinating insect richness and diversity in restored prairie habitats over time by monitoring three restored prairie plots of varying ages located at the ONU Metzger Nature Center. The primary objectives are to assess whether the richness and diversity of native plants and invertebrates increase as restored prairie areas develop. Additionally, this study will explore the role of floral diversity in supporting populations of pollinating insects. The results of this research will allow us to further understand how prairie restoration efforts can improve biodiversity of native plants and invertebrates.