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Researching Local Forest Landscapes with Julie Means, M.A. ’10

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The following is a description by Julie Means of her thesis work.

Broadly, my geographic interests lie at the intersection of landscape ecology, ecology, and ornithology. My thesis research looks at the role of old regrowth forests for bird diversity conservation in southwestern Ohio. Landscape fragmentation and chronic habitat loss have profound impacts on the protection of mature forest birds in the eastern deciduous forest of the Corn Belt agricultural region. Because of the general absence of primary old-growth remnant stands across the Midwest, I believe that conservation efforts need to better understand the role of old re-growth forest patches (approximately 110 years old and cut once around the turn of the century) for protecting bird diversity. Therefore, my study focuses on the contribution of old regrowth forests to regional bird diversity and how regrowth forest patches differ in bird richness due to their physical, ecological, and landscape conditions.

Julie Means, in the field

The purpose of my research is to determine the conservation significance of old regrowth stands for mature forest birds embedded in modified landscapes and to support the importance of conserving these forests. I measured forest composition and structure, physical-site parameters, landscape conditions, and conducted point count surveys of bird populations in nine old regrowth patches embedded in the Miami University Natural Areas.

I prefer studying in the field, so I had a very productive and enjoyable summer research experience. I learned quickly to write down anything unusual I observed, as the information could be helpful to my thesis research later on. I also took pictures of everything, whether it was an active bird’s nest or an old fence row indicating the transition to a younger forest. As more of a physical geographer, field work often means early mornings, long days in the sun, and physically-demanding work. That being said, the work is fulfilling and the forest becomes your office in a sense. Personally, I loved every moment of the field work.

The Department of Geography has a full range of field equipment that I was able to use for my field data collection, including a GPS. The GIS lab and GIS coordinator are also great resources for my graduate work. The faculty is very approachable and always willing to meet with you to answer questions, whether or not they are on your thesis committee. Drawing on these resources and this support network has greatly helped me to make progress on my thesis in the Department of Geography at Miami University.


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