Pollinator ResearchGrace Gutierrez

The Effect of Site Preparation Methods and Plant Genotypes on Pollinator Habitat Success

The focus of this study is to examine the efficacy of different seed bed preparation methods (mowing (control) vs solarization vs herbicidal treatment) at controlling the spread of invasive noxious species and testing whether southern genotypes are more climate adapted to warming temperatures than northern genotypes to promote the success of pollinator habitat establishment under current and future climatic conditions. The research includes the establishment of pollinator habitat and monitoring the diversity and abundance of pollinators at five different locations managed by the Fish and Wildlife Service. The objective is to assess best practices within the context of climate change and non-native species control, and to make recommendations to help evidence-based conservation and management of pollinator habitat.