Student Research and Independent Study at Cowling Arboretum and McKnight Prairie

 Students may conduct research projects or independent study during the academic year or over the summer at the Arboretum or McKnight Prairie under the guidance of college faculty.  The expansive restoration areas and natural plant communities provide a wide variety of potential projects.  Summaries of sample projects are below, or download and view complete projects - see sidebar.

Amy O. Alstad '09.  2008 Summer Research, Introducing a new arrival to the Arboretum: the seed predator Apion rostrum.

The presence of A. rostrum, seed predator of Baptisia alba  was first documented in the Carleton Arboretum in the summer of 2008. This study documents the distribution and abundance of A. rostrum in the restored prairies of the Arboretum and suggests several questions for future study.

Markael D. Luterra '07. 2005 Summer Research, Breeding Bird Census of the Carleton College Prairie Restorations.

Grassland birds were sampled throughout the summer and abundance recorded at eleven sites. Five grassland species and six edge/savanna species were detected with some regularity throughout the breeding season. Of particular note was Henslow’s Sparrow (Ammodramus henslowii), listed as a threatened species in Minnesota.

Brody S. Sandel '04. 2003 Summer Research, Cattle in the Arb? Suppression of Dominant Grasses by Cattle Grazing.

Experimental grazing of the Arboretum prairie restorations was undertaken to better understand the usefulness of cattle as a management tool in restored prairies.  Grazing appeared to promote forb growth with the reduction of biomass of the normally dominant grasses.