Browsing by Author "Lambert, Aquila"
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Item Conserving the Yellowstone National Park Ecosystem through Gray Wolves (Canis lupus)(2022) Lambert, Aquila; Matanoski, Joseph; Beverly K. Fine School of the Sciences; Environmental ScienceGray wolves are a keystone species in the Yellowstone National Park (YNP) ecosystem because they can restore balance to and regulate a previously unhealthy ecosystem. The true value of gray wolves as a keystone species was not realized until decades after their reintroduction in 1995. Over time, gray wolves’ predatory habits decreased elk populations, which allowed for vegetation to grow back and other herbivores to repopulate. Despite gray wolves’ overwhelmingly positive effect on the YNP ecosystem, they are hunted illegally for sport or by farmers to protect livestock. Currently, disease and human hunting are the biggest threats to the long-term success of gray wolves in YNP.Item Overstory Effects of Emerald Ash Borers (EAB) on a Riparian Forest(2021) Lambert, Aquila; Wise, Emily; Norris, Mark; Beverly K. Fine School of the Sciences; Environmental ScienceAgrilus planipennis (Emerald Ash Borers) (EAB) are an invasive beetle from Asia that discovered in the USA in 2002 and have decimated Fraxinus (ash) forests throughout the country. The ash trees of Stevenson University in Owings Mills, MD have not been spared from EAB infestation. This research study sought to understand how important ash trees are to the overall local forest, how EAB have affected those ash trees and the forest habitat, and considered ways to restore the forest because of EAB infestation. Trees and canopy cover were surveyed in 5 randomly placed plots throughout a 6-hectare section of riparian forest. Individual ash trees were examined for EAB exit holes and status rating. This study found that ash trees are the most important tree in the forest but with spatial variation. Majority of the ash trees are dead with signs of EAB infestation, but canopy openness does not correlate with EAB ash infestation. There are opportunities for future studies that could be conducted on the local forest with our data as a starting point. One potential study could analyze the genome of the four living ash trees that were found. Restoration options include planting already present non-ash tree seedlings in certain plots to restore the canopy, injecting the 4 living ash trees in plot 4 with insecticide, and releasing non-native parasitoid wasps to reduce EAB populations. We could also collect and mail seeds from the living ash trees to a US Forest Service project in Ohio to preserve and understand EAB-resistant ash trees. From this study, we learned how important Ash trees are to Stevenson’s ecosystem and that the ash population has been severely affected by EAB infestation.