Links

Central Michigan University wordmark
Dr. Bradley J. Swanson: Green Roof project
 
Dr. Swanson's Homepage

Courses Taught

Current Research

Previous Research

ATCG Laboratory
Wildlife Forensics
Contract Lab

Species
identification
by hair
microscopy

Prospective Grad Students

Vita

Publications

Collecting DNA samples

Return to Biology Department

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

Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI 48859  -  (989) 774-4000
Search / Directories / Contact Us / AA/EO / Privacy Policies / Web Policy / Copyright