Faculty Mentor: Dr. Pete Goldman

Research Thesis: The effects of burning versus mowing of Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) fields on ground-nesting grassland birds, their potential prey, and nest depredation in Northeast Missouri

Research Description:

The numbers of many species of birds that breed in the grasslands of North America have been declining, including the listed species Henslow’s Sparrow (Ammodramus henslowii).  Millions of hectares of land are enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP).  Management of that land could have a large effect on the quality of breeding habitat available.  This study compares several measures of avian importance on paired CRP fields that are burned and mowed.  The three major types of CRP grassland in Missouri (cool season grasses, warm season grasses and unmanaged old field) are represented.  Data on avian abundance, nest abundance, natural and artificial nest depredation and arthropod abundance will be collected and analyzed for patterns by management regime and field type over time.

Expected Date of Graduation: December, 2005

Undergraduate Education: Stanford University, B.A. Feminist Studies, 1995

Why did you choose Truman? Because of the personal relationships with faculty and it's close to home.

Hometown: Born on Long Island, NY.  Live in Rutledge, MO at Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage.          http://www.dancingrabbit.org

Hobbies: Nature Walks, Reading, Yoga