Authors:

Andreas Wuthrich

Date Created:

Not specified

Course Title:

Professor:

Not specified

About Paper:

Riparian habitats support terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems by providing water filtration services, water temperature regulation, and habitats for numerous organisms. These ecologically complex riparian systems are sensitive to changes in climate, invasive species, and degradation in vegetation. Intense ecosystem changes also adversely affect nearby pollinator populations, threatening the ecosystem services they provide. We will assess and monitor pollinator plantings from Dr. Lauren Ponisio and the Ponisio Lab to understand their implementations in restoring riparian and pollinator habitats decimated by the 2020 Holiday Farm Fire. We will monitor plant health determined by height, vigor, water temperature, survival rates, and competition levels within active riparian restoration areas. We will study native pollinators to gain insight into the mechanisms driving biodiversity and agricultural productivity - contributing to the ongoing restoration project that began on Whitewater Ranch in 2014. After compiling data, we will compare our findings to previous ELP data to analyze the success of restoration efforts. Our research on pollinator conservation, riparian restoration, and sustainable land management practices will aid in informing policymakers, farmers, and ecologists in making decisions and developing plans that promote the integrity of interdependent ecosystems and further agricultural sustainability. 366 UNIVERSITY OF OREGON • 2024 UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM

Source:

University of Oregon / 2024

Topics:

No topics listed

Co-authors:

Andreas Wuthrich