ORAL PRESENTER TITLE: Restoration and habitat work in the upland/wetland matrix of the Little Plover River watershed ABSTRACT: Rivers are nested in watersheds. Restoring structure and function in the upland/wetland matrix is influential in the success of river restoration as well as for the wildlife use of these sites. I will discuss the restoration and habitat work within a range of site conditions in the uplands/wetlands surrounding the Little Plover River. We created/restored ecological conditions in oak savanna, oak woodland, barrens, aspen coppice, and riparian forests. I will discuss the mechanics surrounding this restoration as well as the challenges that exist for the long-term stability of the ecosystem. I will discuss mobilization of college students, community volunteers, contractors, and others to complete the work as well as needs for follow up management. Finally, I will present post-treatment breeding bird use data collected for the oak woodland restoration site. BIO: Mike Demchik is a professor of forestry at the UW-Stevens Point. He has worked in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Minnesota, and Wisconsin in a wide range of jobs in natural resources. Mike teaches courses in silviculture, forest management, and ecosystem restoration.