I am interested in the restoration of longleaf pine-wiregrass systems. Working with Dr. Kay Kirkman of the Jones Center, and Dr. Ron Carroll of the Institute of Ecology, I will examine the ability of native ground cover species to reestablish after the occurrence of hot fires. To read more, check out my research statement.
I became interested in ground cover restoration while working in the Plant Ecology Lab at the Jones Center, maintaining a native seed production garden of grass and legume species from the longleaf system. This fire-dependent ecosystem diminished to roughly 3% of its original extent by the end of the last century, and thus the time is ripe for restoration.
Young Saccharum alopecuroides, recently burned Aristida stricta, and Lespedeza hirta (appearing hedgelike in the distance).