ONLINE: Wetland Coffee Break

press release: "Toward more effective invasive species management, Part 1: Emphasize system dynamics over community structure," by Craig Annen, Integrated Restorations, LLC

Note: This presentation will be more technical than many of the talks in the Wetland Coffee Break series

Invasions of reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea) and cattail (Typha sp.) displace native wetland vegetation and can develop into dense monotypic stands that frustrate management efforts. Reversing these invasions is often considered an unrealistic management goal. Although we already possess sufficient background knowledge of these species and well-tested techniques to confront these invasions, most invasive species suppression programs emphasize plant community structure over system dynamics, which often results in failure. We measured 26 environmental variables (10 vegetation descriptors and 16 soil nutrients) in 13 riparian sedge meadows along a gradient of Phalaris abundance ranging from 2.5% to 90% cover. Ordination analysis of this large data set showed that sites separated into two discrete clusters rather than being continuous along the gradient of Phalaris abundance. This result suggests that concepts from state-and-transition models, which are based on community dynamics, are more accurate predictors of restoration pathways and management outcomes than conventional plant succession theory. Part 1 will introduce concepts from state and transition models and systems approaches to invasive species management. In part 2 (on March 25 ), we will apply this theoretical thinking toward on-the-ground management with a case study in successfully reversing a Phalaris invasion with a systems approach.

Reference: Annen et al. (2008). Reed Canarygrass Invasions Alter Succession Patterns and May Reduce Habitat Quality in Wet Meadows.

Craig Annen earned his bachelor’s of science in environmental science and plant molecular cell biology from Edgewood College in 1998 and his master’s of science in aquatic botany from the UW-LaCrosse in 2001. His research interests include invasive species management, economical ecology, and mathematical ecology. Craig is senior ecologist and operations manager of the firm Integrated Restorations, LLC. He speaks fluent German, is a New York Yankees fan, and is a gourmet cook of Middle Eastern and German cuisine.

Wisconsin Wetlands Association launched our Wetland Coffee Breaks in to help keep our community of wetland lovers connected and learning about wetlands throughout the year, from anywhere! Our Wetland Coffee Break series features brief presentations about wetlands, the plants and animals that call them home, and the many natural benefits they provide to our communities.

Wetland Coffee Breaks are offered as live presentations via secure Zoom meetings. See below for a list of upcoming presentations and to register. Once you register, you’ll receive an automatic email including the URL link and password you’ll need to access the meeting.

Wetland Coffee Breaks are also recorded and posted so you can watch any that you missed live. Generally, we’ll post a Coffee Break recording within a week of the live session. You’ll find links to these recordings below.

We are grateful to all of the presenters for sharing their knowledge and expertise and to everyone interested in learning more about wetlands!

If you are interested in giving a Wetland Coffee Break presentation, or if you have a wetland topic you’d like to see covered, please contact Katie at Katie.Beilfuss@wisconsinwetlands.org.