Graduate Student: Chelsea Butcher
The abundance of green roofs in North America has increased because of the environmental benefits (e.g. energy and water conservation) that the
roofs provide. Furthermore, increased urbanization has led to habitat loss, and green roofs can serve as habitat for birds, insects, and plants.
The objective of this project is to determine if green roofs can be used as plant conservation areas by calculating the colonization rates of plant
species on ten green roofs. Additionally, we will determine if the factors of roof area, distance to the next natural area, age, initial plant
density, soil depth, and soil temperature affect the colonization rates. Finally, we will determine if Michigan native plant species are colonizing
at a different rate than invasive plant species.
Funding provided by:
Central Michigan University
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