Horticulture & Related FieldsJesse Smith
2020 The Garden Club of America Montine M. Freeman Scholarship in Native Plant Studies
Masters of Science Biology Jesse Smith is a current master’s degree student in conservation biology at Illinois State University. His research investigates how soil characteristics such as nutrients and microbial communities may influence plant growth and floral displays, which ultimately affect pollinator visitation. Smith’s research focuses on a native legume, purple prairie clover, in tallgrass and hill prairies, two types of remnant prairies in Illinois. The results of this research will help to elucidate the importance of soil health for use in native plant gardening or prairie restorations, and the impact it may have on pollinator abundance and diversity.
The Garden Club of America Montine M. Freeman Scholarship in Native Plant Studies
To encourage the understanding, development, and use of underutilized native plants. Established to encourage the development of research, documentation, and teaching skills in the field of horticulture.
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