Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Assessment of Prairie Restoration and Vegetation Change at the Buffalo Beats Research Natural Area, Athens County, OH

Kapolka, Corey K.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1398279083

Abstract Details

2014, Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, Plant Biology (Arts and Sciences).
The regionally rare remnant prairie `Buffalo Beats' has been managed with a controlled burn regime since evidence of forest encroachment in the 1980's prompted restoration efforts. Comparisons of vegetation samples from the prairie from 1984 and 2012 show an increase in diversity of non-prairie species, a stabilization of frequency and vegetative cover of prairie species, and a decrease in the community importance of woody species. Within the surrounding forest, abundance of small trees decreased, total tree DBH increased, and the importance of Quercus alba increased among most size and age categories. Comparison by NMDS of the prairie community in 1986, 1996, and 2012 showed no apparent directional shift in community composition. The Buffalo Beats prairie has been effectively preserved by implementation of controlled fires and woody removal, and continued restoration efforts are likely necessary to preserve the community into the future.
Brian McCarthy, PhD (Advisor)
Jared DeForest, PhD (Committee Member)
Harvey Ballard, PhD (Committee Member)
76 p.
Ecology; Plant Biology
Buffalo Beats; prairie; plant community ecology; restoration ecology; prairie peninsula

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Kapolka, C. K. (2014). Assessment of Prairie Restoration and Vegetation Change at the Buffalo Beats Research Natural Area, Athens County, OH [Master's thesis, Ohio University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1398279083

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Kapolka, Corey. Assessment of Prairie Restoration and Vegetation Change at the Buffalo Beats Research Natural Area, Athens County, OH. 2014. Ohio University, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1398279083.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Kapolka, Corey. "Assessment of Prairie Restoration and Vegetation Change at the Buffalo Beats Research Natural Area, Athens County, OH." Master's thesis, Ohio University, 2014. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ohiou1398279083

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ohiou1398279083
667
© 2014, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Ohio University and OhioLINK.