Master's Research Project

My thesis research project at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie combines my two passions: tallgrass prairie restoration and herpetology. I am studying for my master's in Natural Resources and Environmental Science at the University of Illinois and am ready to start my research thesis needed to graduate.  I am looking to fund the materials, tools, and transportation needed for two years worth of field data.  

My project will take a look at the abundance, diversity, and occupancy of snake species in restored prairie habitats over a two-year span starting this spring. My research will try to answer the question, does the restored land create a better habitat for native snake species compared to non-restored habitat?  Little research looks into the impacts of restoration on snake diversity, abundance, and occupancy. I will be surveying snakes in over 2,000 acres of restored tallgrass prairie and about 1,000 acres of remnant prairie and control sites like pastures and cool-season grass-dominated sites.  

With my research (which will be published when complete!) ecologists, land managers, and conservationists can conduct restoration work more efficiently. A good snake population with high diversity and abundance can help keep rodent populations under control and is an overall indication of high ecological health and diversity. Please contribute to this worthy environmental cause! #gofundmeresearch