PARENT SESSION
Poster Session 16: Ecology Education
Tuesday, August 9, 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM, Exhibit Hall 220 A-E, Level 2, Palais des congrès de Montréal
Demonstration of oak-savanna restoration in Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.
Choi, Young*,1, Chun, Young-Moon1, Marburger, Joy2, Smith, Wendy2, 1 Purdue University Calumet, Hammond, IN, USA2 Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, Porter, IN, USA
ABSTRACT- Oak-savanna, an integral part of the biodiversity in the southern coastal ecosystem of Lake Michigan, is one of the main natural characters that have been destroyed or degraded by human activities in the past. Restoration of oak-savanna is now among the top priorities for the conservation and recovery of biodiversity in the region. A strong public support and a sound science are often the critical keys to a successful restoration, and an effective communication between the research scientists and public is essential for getting such support. The purposes of this project, funded by the Chicago Wilderness and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, are (1) to raise public awareness and appreciation for the historical and ecological importance of oak-savanna in the region, (2) to demonstrate the scientific process of oak-savanna restoration for public education, and (3) to enhance our scientific understanding for oak-savanna restoration. A total of 250 black oak (Quercus velutina) seedlings were planted with four different treatments (control, artificial shade, mulch application, and mycorrhizae inoculation) in Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. This site is being used for demonstration to public with various activities (e.g., guided tour by research scientists, interpretive sign, teacher workshop, brochures, and press release).
Key words: demonstration, oak-savanna, restoration, dunes