National roadways in the U.S. have an estimated habitat potential of 10 million miles. Roadsides cover extensive acreage and provide connectivity in a fragmented landscape, making them particularly important for wildlife conservation. In an effort to improve roadside habitat for pollinators Lisa conducted a three year field study with MD Department of Transportation.
Two major goals of her research are to determine which vegetation management practices best maximizes floral resources for pollinators, and to assess how those different strategies affect regional bee populations. The three management treatments considered were no mow/ selective herbicide use, annual fall mow, and roadsides maintained as traditional turf. Lisa’s research is also examining whether roadside contaminants accumulate in common verge wildflowers, potentially exposing foraging insects to harmful toxins. Prelim data can be found here. Data analysis will be completed by the end of the year so stay tuned!
Two major goals of her research are to determine which vegetation management practices best maximizes floral resources for pollinators, and to assess how those different strategies affect regional bee populations. The three management treatments considered were no mow/ selective herbicide use, annual fall mow, and roadsides maintained as traditional turf. Lisa’s research is also examining whether roadside contaminants accumulate in common verge wildflowers, potentially exposing foraging insects to harmful toxins. Prelim data can be found here. Data analysis will be completed by the end of the year so stay tuned!
Lisa has also initiated a partnership with the UK based company Wildflower Turf LTD. They’re adapting Wildflower Turf’s ‘instant’ meadow sod technology to work with northeast native meadow species and climate. Results from proof of concept trials and customer discovery via the National Science Foundation’s ICorps program are promising. Over 130 in-person interviews were conducted with landscape professionals and potential end-users to explore market potential. The company formation process is underway and if all goes as planned the US based company will have product commercially available by 2022. This novel product will enable landscape professionals to incorporate more meadowscapes into their projects, meeting multiple sustainability objectives, including habitat for wild and managed bees.
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