Co-authors: Ben Davies, UW Stevens-Point; Josh Kivett, UW-Stevens Point
Title: Little Plover River Headwaters Wetland Restoration Remnant Seedbank Study, Plover, Wisconsin
Abstract: This study took place near the city of Plover on agricultural land within the headwaters of the Little Plover River. Portage County and Stantec are restoring drained muck soil units within the headwaters to restore pre-settlement wetland and stream habitats to improve both water quality and groundwater recharge within the Little Plover River watershed. The purpose of this study is to determine the extent of muck soil units and remnant native seedbank to inform site restoration strategies. Our goals: 1. Determine differences in diversity and composition of the seed bank in upland vs. muck soil areas of the site. 2. Determine density and diversity of species germination based on different hydroperiods. 3. Determine whether there is a difference in diversity and composition of wetland species from North to South (thin muck soil layer to deep muck soil layer). 4. Determine whether there is a difference in species density and diversity based upon whether the seed is found within 0-25 cm of the soil surface or at a depth of 25-45 cm from the soil surface. We collected upland and muck soil samples from the plow layer (0-25 cm from soil surface) and from below the plow layer (25-45 cm from soil surface). All samples were potted and placed in a greenhouse. Fifty percent of the samples were saturated and half were watered normally. The study is ongoing. All seeds that germinated were identified and recorded by sample point and water treatment. All potted samples are being maintained, monitored, and watered in the greenhouse at UW - Stevens Point. All species will be identified and recorded as they grow.
View Poster:
https://www.wisconsinwetlands.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/Erik-Janssen-Poster.Janssen.Erik_.pdf.pdf
Bio: Erik Janssen graduated from UW-Stevens Point in December of 2021 with a degree in forest management. He has worked in the past with the USFW as a forestry technician and throughout Wisconsin and New Mexico performing conservation and restoration work.