The Environmental and Plant Biology Colloquium Series presents Dr. Emily Rauschert on “Built for invasion: roads facilitate the spread of invasive plants” on Friday, Nov. 20, at 11:50 a.m. in Porter 104.
Dr. Emily Rauschert
Rauschert is an assistant professor in the Department of Biology, Geology, and Environmental Science at Cleveland State University.
Abstract: As humans continue to move frequently and to greater distances, we continue to experience an increased presence of novel species in ecosystems. Roads are a primary factor driving invasions because they both create ideal habitat for invasion as well as move invasive propagules into new areas. In this talk, I will discuss the invasion of a forest invader, Japanese stiltgrass, and how road maintenance is an important part of its spread. I will also discuss the creation of new roads in connection with the Marcellus shale exploration, and discuss what might be done to mitigate these problems.
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