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Mentor(s)

Integrated Conservation of an Orchid Rich Habitat in Door County Wisconsin 2016
Door County and Population Biology lab

Ecology, Plant Systematics & Florisitic, Population Biology

Door County Wisconsin lies along the Niagara Escarpment, resulting in a diverse flora, which is particularly rich in orchid species. 26 of the 49 orchid species native to Wisconsin are found at the Ridges Sanctuary in Bailey Harbor. The populations of many species found with the Ridges are slowly dwindling, and this project will focus upon the active restoration of two of these iconic species in the genus Cypripedium. The ram’s-headlady’s-slipper(Cypripedium arietinum) and the showylady’s-slipper(Cypripedium reginae) have been propagated and planted by volunteers at the Ridges. The REU assigned to this project will participate in an effort to relocate and census these restorations to determine survivorship, and will also have the opportunity to participate in additional restoration activities. These may include planting restored populations of orchids; conducting inventories of orchid species found at the sanctuary; collecting seeds and propagating new seedlings. Time will be split between Door County and the Chicago Botanic Garden.

Fieldwork Conditions

Bees, Insects, Poison Ivy, Pollen
Mentor(s)