Our current research is wide-ranging. From understanding angler behavior in response to management, invasive species risk assessments, understanding how resilience is generated in ecological systems to implementing the North American Bat Monitoring Program in Nebraska, and researching strategies for integrating genetic tools into conservation efforts.
Click on the research project title to learn more:
Angler Behavior on Nebraska's Urban Waterbodies
Project goals are to understand 1) the participation patterns of anglers on multiple spatial and temporal scales; 2) how participation patterns of anglers influence fish populations and associated communities; 3) how management actions influence angler participation patterns and, in turn, fish communities; and 4) interactions and feedback mechanisms between and among angler groups and fish communiRead more about Angler Behavior on Nebraska's Urban Waterbodies.
Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Program
1. Decrease the risk of aquatic invasive species introduction into Nebraska;2. Increase public awareness of AIS;
3. Monitor to help focus prevention efforts; and
4. Increase local and regional collaboration in the prevention of AIS.
Read more about Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Prevention Program.
Bat Conservation and Recovery in Nebraska and Wyoming
The Nebraska Cooperative Research Unit is collaborating with the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, and state and federal natural resource managers in the Midwest; this collaboration is focused on developing a strategic approach to bat conservation across Wyoming and Nebraska by monitoring impacts, and by providing decision makers with decision-support toolsRead more about Bat Conservation and Recovery in Nebraska and Wyoming.
Bat Movements Across Transforming Landscapes
By studying bat migratory patterns in Nebraska, we will help utility companies, wind energy developers, and wind facility owners avoid, manage, and mitigate the effects of new and existing wind energy facilities.Read more about Bat Movements Across Transforming Landscapes.
Climatic Constraints on Bobwhite Quail Populations Along Their Northern Extent
To identify how climate and weather (e.g., snow storms, spring rains) alter quail physiology and behavioral decisions to impact population stability in Nebraska so we can further inform management strategies.Read more about Climatic Constraints on Bobwhite Quail Populations Along Their Northern Extent.
Generation of Novelty in Complex Systems
To explore the causes and consequences of the generation of novelty and innovation for humans, for social systems and for ecological systems, we convened a small diverse group of researchers from diverse disciplines, with a variety of approaches and backgrounds, where we believe a deliberate focus on the concept of novelty could be fruitful.Invasion, Cost-share, and Private Landowners: Resolving the Challenges of Scale with Managing Juniperus Virginiana on Nebraska's Rangelands
The purpose of this study is to understand the perceptions of Nebraskan landowners in regards to ERC and ERC management, and the ways participation-based incentives influence the scale of cost-share programs to remove ERC to identify where these programs are succeeding at their conservation goals and where improvements can be made.Managing Red Cedar Invasions of Nebraska Grasslands -Part II
In this project we are working with Nebraska Game and Parks Commission to answer four primary questions to better address cedar invasion.1. What are the consequences of cedar invasion?
2. Where can cedar invasion occur in Nebraska?
3. How is current cedar management performing?
4. How can cedar management be improved?
Read more about Managing Red Cedar Invasions of Nebraska Grasslands -Part II.
Missouri River Basin Mitochondrial Genome Database
The major goal of this project is to provide genetic resources for native species throughout the Mississippi River Basin to facilitate future research interests including eDNA, diet composition, and restoration efforts.Read more about Missouri River Basin Mitochondrial Genome Database.
Monitoring, Mapping and Risk Assessment and Management of Invasive Species in Nebraska
The goals of this project are to:1. Provide outreach to, and facilitate communication among, stakeholders regarding biological invasions, coordinate the Nebraska Invasive Species Advisory Council, and assist with any additional legislation regarding invasive species as needed;
Plant Functional Community Dynamics and Pollinator Resource Provisions within Nebraska's Restore Prairies
This research will explore plant functional community dynamics (including temporal nectar and pollen provision) in restored prairies.
Rainwater Basin Joint Venture Science
The Rainwater Basin Joint Venture’s (RWBJV) mission includes science–based conservation efforts for all priority bird habitats throughout Nebraska’s mixed–grass prairie region. The Management Board of the RWBJV is committed to implementing the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Strategic Habitat Conservation model.
Spatio-Temporal Foraging Activity of Bats in the Agricultural Landscape
The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of monocultural fields by insectivorous bats in different land use configurations in Nebraska’s intensively managed agricultural landscape.Read more about Spatio-Temporal Foraging Activity of Bats in the Agricultural Landscape.
Cooperators
