Gardening for Wildlife: Tree canopy and small-scale planting influences on arthropod and bird abundance

Do urban gardens restored with native shrubs contribute towards conservation of birds? Portland, Oregon, is a mid-sized city with many restored yard habitats and nearby regional natural areas, with yards varying in the degree of native plantings and the sizes and groupings of the yards involved. We studied several of the purported ecological benefits attributed to these widespread, but small-scale, urban gardens. We measured the relative success of yard habitats in contributing to diversity and abundance of forest-habitat birds. We studied how the abundance and diversity of shrubs, arthropods, and birds were related. We compared two neighborhoods; one having high, native tree cover, and the second having lower, non-native tree cover. Both neighborhoods had nearby greenspaces. We selected 6 replicate yards in each neighborhood, each with at least a minimum number of native shrubs. We also measured bird species richness using citizen science data. The abundance of arthropods significantly predicted the bird species richness. Both the amount of regional and local tree cover had a stronger statistical signal than shrub cover. The presence of native species of shrubs in these yards was not a good predictor for abundance of arthropods

Community Science and the Ecological Merits of Backyard Habitat Patches and Adjacent Green-Spaces for Urban Avian Species

In what ways do small-scale urban backyards contribute to local bird abundance and biodiversity? In what ways might these yards serve as an ‘extension’ of neighboring native forest areas? This project investigates the contribution that a group of backyards, certified through the Backyard Habitat Certification Program, have in the suburb of Hillsdale, Oregon, which is adjacent to the natural area of Keller Woodland. Backyard owners functioning as citizen or community scientists assisted with conducting residential bird point-counts once a week in each backyard and the natural area. Counts were done for a total of 8 weeks during nesting season to better understand how backyard habitat restoration might affect their habitat especially when in close proximity to a natural area. The goal of the project was to help better understand the beneficial effects of urban gardening using native plants and diverse vegetation structure as this relates to bird species richness, and to explore the importance of community scientist contributions. Although the sample size was small, no significant trends were found, but the involvement of community scientists indicated increased skill, depth of understanding, and increased motivation for all participating backyard habitat owners. More backyards are needed for future research and extension into lower-income neighborhoods would be very beneficial to increase awareness of urban habitat connectivity and the diversity seen in backyard environmental characteristics and yard owner backyard habitat knowledge. A larger sample size could reveal correlations and provide a greater significance in data findings for bird abundance and diversity. A logical extension of this project would be to investigate food-web effects, specifically avian prey species, and smaller green-spaces that are often present in urban neighborhoods in addition to the large green-spaces

Authentic Field Ecology Experiences for Teachers

This paper will focus on one teacher field research experience situated in the Pacific Northwes

Are we providing the preferred floral resources for bees in our neighborhoods? Relationships between small scale vegetation metrics and pollinator visitation in SE Portland

Due to the threat of losing our pollinators, there are many conservation actions such as pollinator friendly areas being constructed in cities around the globe, because of this there is a need for a greater understanding of the relationship between bees, and floral resources at a local landscape level. I assessed the relationship between blossom density, inflorescence type, cover, frequency, density and numbers of bees observed at three different pollinator friendly areas in South East Portland. This project utilized community science members to gather observational monitoring data at Johnson Creek Commons Rain Garden, SE Yukon Bioswales and Beyer Court Rain Garden in Lents, Oregon. I hypothesize several significant findings from my research, such as the relationship between small scale vegetation metrics and floral visitor activity, and a relationship between diversity and richness of sites and morpho-species groupings. The results of this study will be utilized in developing a deeper understanding of the relationship between pollinators and floral resources at a local landscape level, and in addition will provide recommendations for floral resources used in pollinator friendly projects in conservation areas in South East Portland

Enhancing Science Teachers\u27 Understanding of Ecosystem Interactions with Qualitative Conceptual Models

The project described in this article explores how a series of conceptual ecological models can be used to portray the improvement in ecological understanding over the span of a short course. The course involved high school teachers working collaboratively on ecological research projects. Teachers were asked to construct qualitative conceptual models (a diagram of important ecosystem components and the linkages between these components) and write explanatory essays at three points during their research experience. The progression in development of teachers’ models spanned initial intuitive explanation, with misconceptions, to the post-test elaboration of a more complex and accurate understanding of ecological phenomenon. These results illustrate shifts in teachers’ thinking and understanding. The models essentially provided them with a means to visualize their conceptions of ecosystem processes. Their understanding was further enhanced through collegial discussions. We present a series of models that support the restructuring of novice scientists’ ideas. Teachers and their students need the opportunity to engage in real world research, coupled with reflective use of qualitative modeling and ongoing collegial discussions, to be able to develop more appropriate reasoning about ecological concepts

Mutual Benefits of Teacher/Scientist Partnerships

University ecologists, science educators and natural resource agency scientists have been working with science teachers in a partnership called Teachers in the Woods . Teachers work with field scientists to implement a variety of ecological research and monitoring projects on federal agency land. Scientists and teachers were interviewed to obtain insights into the benefits of this partnership. These partnerships generated greater teacher knowledge of local ecological communities and processes and fostered a mutual respect for the work of both classroom teachers and scientists

Effectiveness of Pollinator Enhancement in Portland Community Orchards AKA Pollinators Count!

Recent attention has been given to the plight of insect pollinators and scientists and gardeners alike are struggling to determine how to protect them. In urban areas, residential and community gardens are potential floral resources for pollinators. While “pollinator friendly” gardens are becoming popular to support this cause, the plant recommendations lack concrete evidence to show which plants are more effective to the widest range of potential pollinators In urban Portland, the Portland Fruit Tree Project (a small nonprofit) manages five community orchards and has paid special attention to planting “pollinator enhancement” plants at their orchards to help support pollinators and increase fruit production. This project used a citizen science survey to monitor each orchard to determine pollinator diversity and the relation to fruit production and floral diversity. Using citizen science increased understanding of the ecology of urban pollinators and promoted awareness of this important ecological issue Overall, orchards with higher floral richness supported higher richness and abundance of pollinators, but higher pollinator richness had a weakly negative correlation with fruit set. While having more flowering plants thoughout the growing season supported pollinators over a longer time, the fruit set of an orchard was more influenced by the age of the trees. This research will help build evidence for the dynamics of urban pollinators and the role that urban agriculture can play in supporting this vital ecosystem service or even provide urban refuge for pollinators

Long-term Ecological Research in Forest Park: Tracking Urban Impacts to Forest Structure and Productivity

Current and historic land use practices as well as exposure to an urban environment can impact forest structure and function. Past and ongoing research in Forest Park, a large urban forest in Portland, Oregon, suggests that mature Douglas-fir (Psuedotsuga meziesii) dominated conifer stands in the more urban end of the park are not developing certain late successional features. Notably, they lack a shade-tolerant conifer understory composed of western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla) and western red-cedar (Thuja plicata). Here, I present three lines of investigation taken from several 1-hectare permanent long-term ecological research (LTER) plots in Forest Park. First, I investigated whether plot-level differences in the intensity of past-land use, namely clearcut logging and fire, has created legacy effect on soil health, as measured by soil organic matter, soil pH, and depth of organic horizon. Second, I present 5-year growth and mortality data to characterize productivity patterns in these plots. Last, I analyzed light detection and ranging (LiDAR) data covering Forest Park to determine if canopy structural features diverged across urban and rural sections of the park. Overall, the results indicate some legacy of soil impact to urban areas most effected by past intensive logging. However, forest productivity, mortality, and structural patterns were generally consistent with stand age, and did not show strong patterns related to urban proximity. These results indicate that the lack of shade tolerant species might be most limited by ground level impacts. These results help inform park managers that regeneration of late successional tree species may require active restoration practices that focus on establishing more optimal growing sites

Assessing the relationship between floral blossom density, type and floral visitation activity of bees in southeast Portland involving community scientists

Pollinator populations have been declining over the past few decades; scientists are unsure of the cause of decline but have attributed it primarily to habitat fragmentation, pesticide use, and climate warming (Potts et al., 2010 - Trends in Ecology & Evolution 25: 345-353) which are all exacerbated in cities. The loss of global pollinators would be devastating to the economic market; 35% of global crop-based food production requires pollination services (Brown et al., 2009 - Apidologie 40: 410-416). Due to the threat of losing our pollinators, there are many conservation actions such as “pollinator friendly” areas being constructed in cities around the globe. Because of this there is a need for a greater understanding of the relationship between bees, and floral resources at a local landscape level. I assessed the relationship between blossom density, inflorescence type, cover, frequency, density and numbers of bees observed at three different “pollinator friendly” areas in southeast Portland. This project utilized community science members to gather observational monitoring data at Johnson Creek Commons Rain Garden, SE Yukon Bioswales and Beyer Court Rain Garden in Lents, Oregon. I hypothesize several significant findings from my research, such as the relationship between small scale vegetation metrics and floral visitor activity, and a relationship between diversity and richness of sites and morpho-species groupings. The results of this study will be utilized in developing a deeper understanding of the relationship between pollinators and floral resources at a local landscape level, and in addition will provide recommendations for floral resources used in “pollinator friendly” projects in conservation areas in southeast Portland

Promoting Environmental Activism Through Participation in a Renewable Energy Planning Simulation Game (Attitude, Behavior Change).

Deep-seated attitude and behavior changes are, according to the literature necessary preludes to widespread utilization of renewable energy and energy conservation technologies. As found in this and other studies attitude change is greater under conditions of emotional arousal. Attitudes formed through direct experience were found in other studies to lead to action taking and behavior change due to changes in personal political efficacy. A strategy of exerting influence on groups rather than on individuals has been found to be more effective in changing people's resource conservation-related behavior. The simulation game SOLED was designed by the author and by Robin Thomas to be a highly involving social learning exercise in renewable energy planning. It was tested with college classes and contrasted with a non-participatory process, a lecture. Both techniques were of the same duration. Subjects were given pre- and post-exercise questionnaires and were observed throughout a post-treatment discussion period to determine their degree of involvement and their likelihood of taking political action. Active participation in the simulation game resulted in a greater degree of involvement in the discussion. Participants were also effected to a greater degree by social influence but did not consequently show a greater belief in the possibility of change. Those who participated in the game developed more positive attitudes towards political participation and consequently indicated a greater interest in getting politically involved. Their scores for political efficacy showed a greater increase. Subject's previous level of political involvement effected their attitudes towards future participation. Group social pressure influenced the belief in the possibility of change. Results of a factor analysis revealed four factors; systems underst and ing, participation, motivation to take action, and personal efficacy. Participation was valued more highly by subjects playing the role of government or energy utility. Political efficacy changed the most for those having a mid-range level of previous experience with energy issues. Participation in a simulation game appears to serve as a surrogate for previous experience.Ph.D.Social psychologyUniversity of Michiganhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/160505/1/8512394.pd