Arboreal Arthropod Populations in the Reecer Creek Floodplain Vivian Mullings, Jack Kennedy, Aubrey Wing, Matthew Skagen, Stone Ross Project Mentor(s): Jeff Hashimoto
The Reecer Creek Floodplain Restoration Project in Ellensburg, WA, has led to many changes in the surrounding arboreal ecosystem. The introduction of trees into the floodplain has impacted the environment by providing lush riparian habitat and shade for the surrounding ecosystem. In our research project, we want to compile a comprehensive understanding of the arboreal arthropod population in the trees surrounding the Reecer Creek Floodplain by comparing species and quantity through a standardized beat sampling method performed on trees in areas of interest in the floodplain. Through this study, we hope to understand how proximity to water affects arthropod species and biodiversity. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation (May 21, 9:30am–3:00pm) Keywords: Arboreal, Arthropod, Floodplain SOURCE Form ID: 6N The Correlation Between Native and Invasive Plants in Reecer Creek Lillian Porter, McKynlee Crankovich, Nishtha Kalra Project Mentor(s): Jeff Hashimoto There is conflicting data about whether more native plant diversity affects the amount of invasive plants in an area. In our project we addressed that question about Reecer Creek in Ellensburg, Washington. Common invasive species near creeks in Washington include: knotweeds, spotted knapweed, reed canary grass, and cheatgrass. We counted the amount of invasive species and native species in plots at varying distances from the creek. Our hypothesis was that if a plot was more diverse with native species there would be more invasive species. Further research could determine the effects of invasive species on the native species health.
Presentation Type: Poster Presentation (May 21, 9:30am–3:00pm) Keywords: Invasive Species, Plant Density, Reecer Creek, Random Plots SOURCE Form ID: 10N
Birds In Kittitas County Savannah Schumaier, Skyler Weidenbach Project Mentor(s): Jeff Hashimoto
Birds play many important roles in our ecosystem, including acting as seed dispersers, pollinators, and providing nutrients for plants. Understanding avian biodiversity is important for assessing ecosystem health. We used video bird-feeders at a suburban and rural location to measure avian biodiversity and compared species richness and evenness. These results can help improve our understanding of the birds in the area of Kittitas County. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation (May 21, 9:30am–3:00pm) Keywords: Birds, ecosystems SOURCE Form ID: 5N
170
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator