Sigma Xi Poster Competition
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
Major
Wildlife and Conservation Biology
2nd Student Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Senior
2nd Student Major
Wildlife and Conservation Biology
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Jessica Moon
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation - Murray State Access only
Abstract/Description
Manmade and Natural Wetlands Support Species Diversity
By: Hunter Lynch, Megan Retz, and Willow Kenneda
Wetlands provide ecological and community benefits, but the specific benefits can vary by wetland type. One of the most recognized benefits is wetland biodiversity. We investigated the biodiversity of two wetlands, one located in the Land between the Lakes (LBL), Kentucky and another in Whitewater, Missouri. The Whitewater wetland is a 2023, man-made private site, and the LBL wetland is an established public site adjacent to Hematite Lake. We aimed to characterize the differences in animal and plant species across these systems using non-invasive walks during non-rainy days. There was a large range and diversity of species between sites. Whitewater wetland had higher species richness of waterfowl including Green Winged Teal (Anas crecca carolinensis) and amphibians including Upland Chorus Frogs (Pseudacris feriarum) compared to the LBL wetland. These wetlands are within the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain, an area that, according to the National Wetland Condition Assessment of 2021, has increased in acreage that is listed as good vegetation habitat. This is counter to the national average, which has experienced a decrease. This habitat addition should support increases in biodiversity in the region.
Spring Scholars Week 2025
Sigma Xi Poster Competition
Comparing Species Richness Between Newly Established and Mature Wetlands
Manmade and Natural Wetlands Support Species Diversity
By: Hunter Lynch, Megan Retz, and Willow Kenneda
Wetlands provide ecological and community benefits, but the specific benefits can vary by wetland type. One of the most recognized benefits is wetland biodiversity. We investigated the biodiversity of two wetlands, one located in the Land between the Lakes (LBL), Kentucky and another in Whitewater, Missouri. The Whitewater wetland is a 2023, man-made private site, and the LBL wetland is an established public site adjacent to Hematite Lake. We aimed to characterize the differences in animal and plant species across these systems using non-invasive walks during non-rainy days. There was a large range and diversity of species between sites. Whitewater wetland had higher species richness of waterfowl including Green Winged Teal (Anas crecca carolinensis) and amphibians including Upland Chorus Frogs (Pseudacris feriarum) compared to the LBL wetland. These wetlands are within the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plain, an area that, according to the National Wetland Condition Assessment of 2021, has increased in acreage that is listed as good vegetation habitat. This is counter to the national average, which has experienced a decrease. This habitat addition should support increases in biodiversity in the region.