Forest Sciences Commons^™

Sensitivity Of The Mangrove Forest In The Joal-Fadiouth Marine Protected Area (Senegal) To Climate Variability (Rainfall And Temperatures), Eugenie Marie Mossane Sene, Elhadji Faye, Sylvie Brizard Zongo, Hippolyte Ditona Tsumbu, Jean-Claude Micha

Journal of Bioresource Management

Mangroves provide coastal communities with a multitude of ecosystem services. This is the case in Joal-Fadiouth. A study on its mangrove dynamics revealed a decline in area between 1974 and 2004, followed by a gradual trend after it acquired Marine Protected Area (MPA) status in 2004. Given the importance of this mangrove, the research focused on analyzing its evolution associated with rainfall and temperature variability. To do this, Spearman’s Rho correlation coefficient was performed between mangrove areas in 10-year increments from 1974 to 2024 and values of climate parameters studied for each increment, with n (number of pairs) = 6. …

Status Of Soils In Protected Areas With Different Management Objectives In Lowland Rainforest, Southwest Nigeria, Bolanle Lisa Olajiire-Ajayi, Adeniyi Sulaiman Gbadegesin, Omotosho Ayodele Ogidan

Journal of Bioresource Management

Understanding soil properties is fundamental to sustaining the ecological integrity of protected forest ecosystems. This study examined the influence of two management categories; Strict Nature Reserve (SN) and Natural Park (NP) on soil physicochemical properties within the lowland rainforest of southwestern Nigeria. Fourteen composite soil samples, six from SN and eight from NP, were analyzed for texture, bulk density (BD), pH, organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (AP), exchangeable bases (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺, Na⁺), and cation exchange capacity (CEC); base saturation (BS) was also determined. Both management categories exhibited sandy loam to loamy sand textures, typical of gneissic …

An Analysis Of Moth Diversity In Garbhanga Reserve Forest, Basistha, Assam, India, Golphina Ahmed, Arup Nama Das, Lupamudra Borah, Rezina Ahmed

Journal of Bioresource Management

The Garbhanga Reserve Forest, located on the south-western side of Guwahati City, covers an area of about 117 km2 and borders the foothills of Meghalaya (26°05´36˝N and 91°44´57˝E). Despite the constant threat of exploitation due to its proximity to the rapidly developing city, this area hosts a diverse ecosystem of moths and butterflies. In a study conducted over one year from January 2022 to December 2022, a total of 140 moth species were documented, with the majority belonging to the Erebidae family (46 species) and 1090 individuals, followed by the Crambidae family (31 species) and 704 individuals. The dominance of …

Economic Analysis And Profitability Of Honey Production And Marketing In Cross River State, Nigeria, Joseph A. Ugbe, Tee T.N., Ancha P.U

Journal of Bioresource Management

The significance of honey in the socio-economic livelihoods of rural and semi-urban populations is paramount, as it tackles issues such as unemployment, income, and ecosystem preservation. The decrease in the timber industry has caused numerous individuals who rely on forests for their income to be without jobs, making it difficult to find other ways to make a living. This study examines the economic analysis and profitability of honey production and marketing in Cross River State, Nigeria, over 5 years (2017-2021) for sustainable forest management. Six hundred and eighty-four (684) respondents were selected from three ecological zones in the state using …

Place, Space, And Shifting Views Of Nature, Rachel Tracey

Runkle Woods Symposia

In her reflective presentation, Rachel Tracy explores her evolving relationship with nature and wilderness. Initially disinterested and uncomfortable in natural settings, she describes how her perspective shifted through class discussions, personal reflection, and immersive experiences in the outdoors. Concepts such as “space versus place” helped her understand the emotional and historical significance of natural environments. Through this journey, she discovered joy in simply being present in nature, ultimately gaining a deeper appreciation for the natural world and its ability to exist and thrive without human involvement.

Culture, Nature, And Reflection: The Settler’S Impact On Life Today, Erin Thomas

Runkle Woods Symposia

Erin Thomas, a senior English major at Wright State University, reflects on the intersection of wilderness, identity, and cultural erasure. Drawing from her Indigenous heritage and experiences in the course Woods and Wilderness, she critiques the romanticized, Eurocentric view of nature as untouched and separate from humanity. Instead, Thomas highlights how wilderness has been shaped by settler colonialism and exclusionary narratives that often ignore Indigenous presence and histories. Her presentation calls for a more inclusive and honest understanding of wilderness—one that honors marginalized voices and acknowledges the land’s complex cultural past.

Wilderness Myth And Reality: Human Views And Uses Of Nature, Evan Hardern

Runkle Woods Symposia

In his essay and presentation, Wright State English major Evan Harder critically examines modern conceptions of wilderness and challenges the Romantic ideal that moral purity and personal virtue are inherently tied to time spent in nature. Drawing on writers such as Wordsworth, Emerson, and Thoreau, Harder interrogates the cultural myth of wilderness as a pristine, untouched realm separate from civilization. He argues that our understanding of nature is a constructed concept—born from the development of cities and agriculture—and often overlooks the long histories of human habitation in places now designated as “natural” or “wild.” Through examples like Cuyahoga Valley National …

The Concept Of Wilderness In Western Culture And Its Sacredness, Shannon Doyal

Runkle Woods Symposia

Shannon Doyal, a Professional Writing student at Wright State, explores how wilderness has been perceived throughout American history—as both a physical space and a powerful spiritual symbol. Drawing from Indigenous perspectives, early settler narratives, Transcendentalist writings, and American literature, she traces the evolving cultural and emotional significance of wilderness. From a place of fear and survival to one of introspection and sacred connection, wilderness reflects our changing relationship with nature and ourselves. As someone whose spirituality honors the cycles of nature, Doyal argues that reclaiming wilderness as a sacred and emotional space is vital—not only for environmental preservation but also …

Endangered Bats In The Runkle Woods, Volker Bahn

Runkle Woods Symposia

Since 2019, Dr. Volker Bahn’s lab has been monitoring bat populations in the Runkle Woods and nearby sites, using acoustic detectors to track species presence and activity over time. With bats representing about 20% of all mammal species globally, their ecological role—particularly in insect control—is vital. The presentation highlights the diversity of local bat species, with 10 of Ohio's 11 expected species documented, ranging from the abundant big brown and red bats to the federally endangered Indiana and northern long-eared bats. Dr. Bahn discusses patterns in bat activity across years, potential drivers such as precipitation, and the concerning declines in …

Water Quality Management In The Runkle Woods, Krystal Demarco, Donavon Mishler-Laporte, Cassie Dunn, Parneet Dhillon, Reagan Hardyman

Runkle Woods Symposia

This project addresses the growing issue of salt pollution in Wright State Woods, with a specific focus on sodium chloride runoff from deicing agents. Elevated salt levels, stemming from university parking lots and surrounding infrastructure, have been linked to soil degradation, vegetation stress, and aquatic habitat damage. By analyzing salt flow patterns and assessing ecological impacts, including EPA-reported chloride violations, the team identified critical areas of concern such as Outfall #2. Proposed mitigation strategies include the use of salt-tolerant tree species, alternative deicers (e.g., acetate- or carbohydrate-based), physical barriers, and expanded retention ponds and filter dams.

Invertebrates As Indicators Of Water Quality In The Runkle Woods, Dillynn Blevins, Bhavishya Ratnavelu, Lauren Stetz, Corey Walls

Runkle Woods Symposia

This project investigates water quality and aquatic invertebrate habitat health in the Wright State Woods, aiming to assess current conditions and implement targeted conservation strategies. Using indicators such as dissolved oxygen, nutrient concentrations, and the presence of sensitive macroinvertebrates (e.g., mayflies, stoneflies, caddisflies), the team evaluates stream health. Data collection follows established protocols, including EPT indexing and seasonal surveys. Conservation recommendations include stream aeration maintenance, removal of non-native vegetation, soil inoculation, and the construction of rain gardens and green roofs to reduce runoff.

An Accessible Trail For The Runkle Woods, Sarah Bingham, Terri Dozier, Logan Huber, Nicole Owino, Nathan Shafer

Runkle Woods Symposia

This presentation outlines a student-led initiative to enhance a pre-existing trail in the Runkle Woods with educational conservation projects and signage. The project aims to increase accessibility and student engagement with Wright State’s natural areas. Three key conservation efforts are highlighted along the trail: prairie restoration to support native biodiversity and pollinators, erosion and runoff mitigation using native vegetation and riff-raff, and bat conservation through habitat preservation and installation of artificial roosts. The project emphasizes experiential learning, sustainability, and community involvement in environmental stewardship.

Management Of The Invasive Honeysuckle (Lonicera Maackii), Mesa Grine, Daniel Hazelett, Cassie Healy, Padma Deepika Kandregula

Runkle Woods Symposia

This presentation addresses the ecological threat posed by invasive honeysuckle in the Runkle Woods on Wright State's campus. Originally from Europe and Asia, honeysuckle aggressively outcompetes native flora due to its rapid growth, shade tolerance, and allelopathic properties. The students observed widespread honeysuckle in both new and old growth forest areas, with greater density in younger regions. Ineffective control methods—such as cutting without herbicide—often worsen infestations. Drawing on a regional study, the students propose a targeted management plan involving cutting and herbicide application, stem injection for larger plants, and reintroducing native species like spicebush. Their strategy aims to reduce honeysuckle …

Old Growth In The Runkle Woods, Madeline Greene, Lindsay Smith, Matt Tyren, Leif Walters

Runkle Woods Symposia

In this conservation proposal, Wright State students focus on protecting the old growth areas of Runkle Woods—a rare and ecologically significant habitat in the Eastern United States, where only about 1% of such forests remain. Home to trees over 200 years old and critical species like endangered bats and white oaks, this 100-acre area faces threats from invasive species, deer overpopulation, littering, and urban runoff. Currently, only 15 acres are legally protected. The students propose expanding the easement, involving experts and graduate students in ongoing research and stewardship, and increasing public engagement through educational walks and increased and updated signage. …

Up In Smoke: Indigenous Techniques To Combat Climate Change And Increase Biodiversity, Brad Kerry

Runkle Woods Symposia

Brad Kerry explores how Indigenous land management practices—particularly the use of prescribed fire—can be reintroduced to restore the Runkle Woods to its pre-colonial ecological state. Drawing on archaeological evidence, historical tree surveys, and ecological data, the presentation highlights how periodic, low-intensity fires historically maintained the forest’s biodiversity, promoted fire-adapted species like oak and hickory, and suppressed invasive plants. Kerry advocates for carefully planned, small-scale burns to combat "mesophication"—a shift toward shade-tolerant, fire-averse species—while increasing forest resilience to drought, invasive species, and climate change. The presentation underscores the ecological benefits of fire and outlines practical considerations for reintroducing controlled burns as …

Protecting Glen Helen With A Conservation Easement, Nick Boutis

Runkle Woods Symposia

Part 2 of the "Protecting Glen Helen with a Conservation Easement" presentation. This presentation offers an overview of Glen Helen, a 1,125-acre private nature preserve in Yellow Springs, Ohio, detailing its ecological significance, educational mission, and recent conservation efforts. Nick Boutis describes the preserve’s history, from ancient Indigenous use to its development as a resort and eventual donation to Antioch College. The focus centers on the complex, multi-year collaboration that led to establishing a permanent conservation easement, which now protects the land from development and subdivision. The presentation also highlights Glen Helen’s ongoing stewardship work, including habitat restoration, environmental education, …

Tecumseh Land Trust: Land Trusts And Land Preservation, Michele Burns

Runkle Woods Symposia

Part 1 of the "Protecting Glen Helen with a Conservation Easement" presentation. Michele Burns introduces the concept of land trusts—nonprofit organizations that protect various types of land, particularly through conservation easements, which are legally binding agreements that restrict development and preserve land forever. She explaines how Tecumseh Land Trust, founded in 1990, operates in southwest Ohio to protect farmland and natural areas without owning land directly and their work in protecting the Glen Helen preservation.

Opening Remarks, Volker Bahn

Runkle Woods Symposia

Dr. Volker Bahn welcomes everyone to the 2024 Runkle Woods Symposium. This year's symposium is held in collaboration with the REACH Native American Heritage Festival. The event began with a land acknowledgement written by Shane Creepingbear in collaboration with Chief Ben Barns and other, recognizing the Indigenouse peoples whose lands we occupy and emphasizing our reponsbility to protect and restore the natrual word.

Maximizing Growth And Yield Of Black Seed (Nigella Sativa L) Through Optimized Phosphorus And Boron Levels, Abdul Qudoos Khan, Abdul Qadeer Khan, Hanif Ullah, Navid Iqbal, Muhammad Junaid, Imad Murad, Faridullah Mamozai, Romaisa Amin, Waleed Iqbal, Uzair Ahmed

Journal of Bioresource Management

Improper nutrient management cause yield reduction in black seed yield and quality. Therefore, a field trial was executed in the growing season 2022-23 at The University of Agriculture Peshawar to inspect the effects of different phosphorus (P) and boron (B) levels on black seed (Nigella sativa L.). The experiment used a randomized complete block design with a split-plot arrangement, replicated thrice. The study examined four P levels (0, 15, 30, and 45 kg/ha) and four B levels (0, 1, 2, and 3 mg/L) on various growth and yield parameters of black seed. Plots treated with 45 kg/ha of P …

Evaluation Of Palatability And Nutrient Composition Of Terminalia Brownii (Fresen) Leaves Grown In Farm Land In Southern Ethiopia, Bayisa Bekele, Mohinder Singh Hooda, Asmelash Tesfaye

Journal of Bioresource Management

Fodder trees and shrubs are important diet and they can provide huge amount of nutrient for grazing animals specifically in areas where less amount of forage is found. The current study was conducted during the year of 2020-2021 at Southern Ethiopia with the objectives of evaluating the palatability and nutrient composition of Terminalia brownii leaves grown in farmland. Survey was conducted in the study area with a 5 % of the total HHs through selecting randomly from the kebeles resident list. Five samples from each management practice i.e. lopping, pollarding and pruning were taken and analyzed in the laboratory for …

Susceptibility Assessment Of Human–Wildlife Conflict In Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary Western Himalayas, Kashmir Using Geospatial Techniques, Tariq Ahmad Bhat, Syed Tanveer, Khursheed Ahmad

Journal of Bioresource Management

Managing human-wildlife conflict requires a spatial understanding, but this is hindered by a lack of spatially explicit data. The present research was conducted in the Hirpora Wildlife Sanctuary (HWS) in Kashmir, India, with the aim of investigating possible geospatial connections between animal attacks on humans between 2019 and 2021. The patterns and drivers of human-wildlife conflicts around HWS were investigated using spatially-implicit data collected from 2019–2021. There were significant differences in attack patterns across the months, and majority of the attacks occurred outside the park. Most of the attacks occurred within 1 km of the buffer zone forests and croplands. …

National Wildlife Federation Habitat Certification: A Collaboration With Fairborn?, Alexis Knick, Amanda Taylor

Runkle Woods Symposia

Mandy Taylor and Alexis Knick from the Fairborn Environmental Advisory Board discuss their mission to draft environmental sustainability and resilience plans and how Wright State can help contribute and partner with their mission.

Keynote Address: Seasonal Changes In The Avian Community Of The Wright State Woods, Jeffrey L. Peters

Runkle Woods Symposia

Dr. Jeffrey Peters is a Professor of Biological Sciences at Wright State University. He earned his B.S. in Biology at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. For his M.S. in Applied Ecology and Conservation Biology at Frostburg State University in Maryland, Dr. Peters used DNA analyses to examine mating strategies in a species of duck, the Gadwall. Continuing his genetics research, he studied geographic variation in ducks for his Ph.D. in Biology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Dr. Peters continued this work at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, as a post-doctoral researcher, and at Wright State University. During his career, …

The Insult Of Road Salt, Rebecca N. Tuttle, Benson Sparkman, Landon Shackleford, Audrey E. Mcgowin

Runkle Woods Symposia

Wright State students Abby Tuttle, Benson Sparkman, and Landon Shackleford present their undergraduate research on the high chloride levels in the Wright State Woods, it's soil and water, caused by the use of winter road salt.

Pawpaws: Ohio’S State Fruit, Don Cipollini

Runkle Woods Symposia

Dr. Don Cipollini presents his episode on Pawpaws from his show The Naturalist followed by a Q&A.

Dr. Cipollini takes us on a walk through the Wright State University Woods and his own backyard to talk about Ohio's state fruit, the Pawpaw and the trees that grow it. He discusses how to grow pawpaw, the biology of the tree, and how you can use and eat the fruit it produces.

Economics Of Conservation And The Application To The Runkle Woods, Indigenous American Cultural Student Association, Brad Kerry, Eliza Hendrix, Mateo Bush, Ryan Diza

Runkle Woods Symposia

Student Eliza Hendrix presents a brief history of local Native American culture to give context to Adjunct Professor Brad Kerry's portion of the presentation focusing on conservation through an economic lens.

Welcome, Audrey E. Mcgowin

Runkle Woods Symposia

The introduction to the 6th Annual Runkle Woods Symposium given by Audrey McGowin.

Woods Symposium 2023 Program, Wright State University

Runkle Woods Symposia

The program for the 6th annual Wright State University Runkle Woods Symposium that took place on November 17, 2023

Alpha Diversity And Species Status Of Uneven Forests In Eco-Zones Of Taraba State, Nigeria, Dau Henry Japheth, Joseph A. Ugbe, Jerry I. Alfa

Journal of Bioresource Management

Alpha diversity indices quantify the uncertainty in predicting the species identity of an individual. Quantitative indices on species composition and distribution are vital to understanding the trend and species status of an ecosystem for conservation management. However, among the forest ecosystems in Taraba state, Bakin Dutse and Wasaji uneven forests are one of the least studied areas, especially in terms of tree species status. This research work aims at assessing alpha diversity and species status of selected uneven forests in Taraba state, Nigeria; to provide baseline knowledge for conservation management. In total, 102 tree species from 74 genera and 41 …

Collection Of Ground Beetles (Coleoptera: Carabidae) In Two Types Of Arboreal Terrain In The Natural Park Of Belezma Batna (North-Eastern Algeria), Yougherta Abderrezak Habbari, Naama Frah, Meriem Bouterfa, Larbi Houichi

Journal of Bioresource Management

The inventory of the carabid family at two forest sites in the Belezma national park namely an oak grove site and a cedar site during a period ranging from May 2017 to April 2018, has shown the counting of 27 taxa that have been inventoried by Barber pitfall traps. The results showed that the Quercus ilex site has slightly more species (25 species) compared to the Cedrus atlantica one (23 species). However, the Harpalinae subfamily is quantitatively the better one represented at both sites. The Shannon and Simpson indices report slightly higher figures in the Cedrus atlantica site with respectively …