Student Projects

Annissa Derbique '24

Master of Science in Environmental Science and Policy with an emphasis in Ecosystem Studies; certificates in Applied Bioinformatics, Sustainability and Wellbeing and Foundations of Biodiversity Conservation and Management

Project Title: The assessment of solidago growth patterns of different rhizome lengths and the comparison between natural and early restoration habitats in Brown County, Wisconsin
Advisor: Karen Stahlheber
Objectives:

• Determine if rhizome length changes shape and distribution of goldenrod genets in the field.
• Observe how clones develop in early succession and restoration processes.
• See how removing physiological integration across a genet affects solidago growth and the plant neighborhood.

Haillee Fritsch '24

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with a minor in Chemistry

Project Title: Macrofungal diversity study associated with oak trees at Wequiock Creek Natural Area: A preliminary investigation and record of the fungal community
Advisor: Lisa Grubisha
Objectives:

• Conduct preliminary research of new Wequiock Creek restoration project as a basis of fungal information for future research.
• Provide a photographic inventory of the identified fungi, along with a seasonal ectomycorrhizal phenology associated with oak trees.
• Add to the UW-Green Bay Herbarium collection.

Natalie Hanneman '24

Bachelor of Science in Biology with a double emphasis in Ecology and Conservation and Animal Biology

Project Title: Fall and winter travel patterns, areas of high use, and diet composition of Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) populations within the Cofrin Memorial Arboretum
Advisor: Dan Meinhardt
Objectives:

• Gather data regarding fox behavior, travel patterns, diet composition and pack make up via trail camera footage and fox signs. 
• Provide insight on how to best conserve and promote the prevalence of the fox species in the Cofrin Memorial Arboretum.

Marissa Helgesen '23

Bachelor of Science in Biology with an emphasis in Conservation and Ecology

Project Title: The reproductive habits of anuran species at UW-Green Bay properties
Advisor: Dan Meinhardt
Objectives:

• Observe how restoration efforts on the UW-Green Bay properties affect anuran distribution and behavior
• Provide CCB with knowledge to minimize disturbance when doing restoration work during the breeding seasons.

Tony Klingert '23

Project Title: Changes in breeding birds in Door County
Advisor: Erin Giese
Objectives:

• Conduct an inventory of the breeding birds in a natural area in Door County.
• Map site’s plant communities during the summer of 2023.
• Compare changes in breeding bird and plant communities from 1976-77 and 1993 studies (Petzke 1994; Trick 1976, 1977).
• Provide the CCB with land management guidance for this natural area.

Ellie Scott '24

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Chemistry with an emphasis in Environmental Chemistry

Project Title: Lichen used as a bioindicator of air quality in Door County
Advisor: Keir Wefferling
Objectives:

• Compile an inventory with photographs and collected samples of the lichen species observed at a Natural Area in Door County.
• Compare them to those that were observed from 1964-1990.
• Offer insight to the effects of changes in air quality over time by the temporal comparison. 
• Offer insight into the communities across the site by comparison across habitats.

Haley Spargur '25

Masters of Science in Environmental Science and Policy with an emphasis in Ecosystems

Project Title: Educational booklet of herpetofaunal ecology within the Cofrin Memorial Arboretum
Advisor: Dan Meinhardt
Objectives:

• Create the first volume of a series highlighting the herpetofaunal ecology of the Cofrin Memorial Arboretum. 
• The book will have a detailed description of each species, including: identification, habitat, diet, reproduction, life stages, native range and ranges within the Arboretum, threats and proper observation methods. 
• It will also include ways for visitors to interact with the different areas and herptiles throughout the Arboretum. Interactions between readers/visitors with our herptile species will create a personal connection or at the very least an understanding and respect for the wildlife.