Grantee Research Project Results
2006 Progress Report: Establishment of a Center for Cedar Glade Studies
EPA Grant Number: X832331Title: Establishment of a Center for Cedar Glade Studies
Investigators: Walck, Jeffrey L. , Sadler, Kim C. , Hemmerly, Thomas E. , Smith-Walters, Cindi
Institution: Middle Tennessee State University
EPA Project Officer: Packard, Benjamin H
Project Period: October 1, 2005 through September 30, 2007 (Extended to September 30, 2008)
Project Period Covered by this Report: October 1, 2005 through September 30, 2006
Project Amount: $193,900
RFA: Targeted Research Grant (2004) Recipients Lists
Research Category: Hazardous Waste/Remediation , Targeted Research
Objective:
The objectives of this research project are to: (1)provide opportunities on the ecology of glades; (2) increase educator knowledge and skills on the topic of glades; (3) act as a clearinghouse to provide information on glades to the public; and (4) create a network of organizations to identify research and outreach needs for glades.
Progress Summary:
Education Component
A workshop was conducted December 2, 2005, at the National Science Teachers Association Conference (Geology Rules: the Cedar Glades of Middle Tennessee). Forty-eight participants received a CD-ROM with a PowerPoint presentation, brochure, and workshop activities; rock and sediment samples; and a poster. A tour of the cedar glades was conducted for 28 teachers.
R and R Team activities were formulated. The main science topics were selected, state science standards were determined, activity lesson drafts were developed, and pre- and post-test surveys were developed. A script for cedar glades video coverage was developed. The Flat Rock Glade flower brochure format was discussed and developed. Presentations were planned for Tennessee Environmental Education Association (September 2006) and Tennessee Science Teachers Association (November 2006) meetings.
Activity lesson plans were completed. The draft was reviewed by experts and revised by the R and R Team. Lessons were piloted in elementary, middle, and high school classes with pre- and post-surveys conducted and analyses are underway.
Two students from two Summer Ecology Courses (45 students) were incorporated into the research projects and they toured glades to discuss glade ecology.
A poster was presented at the Ecological Society of America meeting.
Research Component
The cedar glade species richness study was completed. Species lists were compiled and all species recorded on glades in the study site were classified. Glades were geo-referenced and their physical parameters at the Stones River National Battlefield were determined. The data analysis was completed and we currently are writing a manuscript on the results of the study.
Specimens of plants recorded during the study were vouchered. A paper was presented at the Botany 2006 meeting. The seed germination of cedar glade plants studies was completed. We also conducted seed germination studies of 11 plants common to the cedar glade ecosystem during 2005-2006 period. Preliminary manuscripts were prepared and we assessed additional work on the following species: Forestiera ligustrina, Ligustrum sinense, and Berchemia scandens.
We completed the permanent plots study. Permanent transects and plots in two glades were established, data on species richness and soil depth were collected, and the data were analyzed for planning future studies. We incorporated students from the Summer Ecology Course (25 students) in data collection and analysis for completion of their research projects for the class.
Overall Center’s Tasks
We organized the Science Advisory Committee (SAC), and updated and posted the Web site. The R and R Team was formulated. It consists of two faculty advisors, one graduate student, one undergraduate student, one high school student, and three teachers (elementary, middle, and high schools). We received research project ideas and needs from the SAC members.
Video footage was obtained by media services during late March and May 2006 glade visits with student classes. The spring semester was selected for satellite broadcast with Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) Instructional Technology Support Center.
Future Activities:
For curriculum development, we will evaluate surveys on lessons, revise lessons with another round of expert review, and distribute lessons to area schools. We will complete the Flat Rock Glade flower brochure and distribute it. We also will complete the Cedar glade species richness study – complete and submit thesis and manuscript. We will complete the draft manuscripts for the seed germination of cedar glade plants studies. We will collect data for the permanent plots study in the 2007 growing season. We also will give presentations at national/regional meetings on results from the educational and scientific components of the project.
We will update the Web site as needed and formulate and conduct a research planning worksip with the SAC. We will obtain video footage of glades and complete the video production. In addition, we will conduct a satellite broadcast with the MTSU Instructional Technology Support Center.
Journal Articles:
No journal articles submitted with this report: View all 13 publications for this projectSupplemental Keywords:
cedar glades, species richness, rare species, environmental awareness, field experiences, ecology, conservation biology, terrestrial habitat, hydrology, restoration, management,Relevant Websites:
http://www.nashvillefossils.com/glades/glades.html Exit
http://www.mtsu.edu/~mtsucee Exit
Progress and Final Reports:
Original AbstractThe perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Conclusions drawn by the principal investigators have not been reviewed by the Agency.