Here is a list of the projects awarded funding in 2024 through the David Redden Conservation Science Small Grants Fund
EICHERT, ANNA (AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY))
“Uncovering the diversity of aquatic macroinvertebrates in Black Rock Forest”
PhD student, Anna Eichert, and her advisor Dr. Jessica Ware will produce a working taxon list of aquatic insect species that exist in the reservoirs and ponds located within BRF. Like many insects, aquatic macroinvertebrate populations have experienced a substantial global loss of biodiversity due to climate change and negative human interaction. As indicators of water quality and ecosystem health, aquatic insects exist as safeguards over freshwater ecosystem balance and function. The species list created through this project will serve as an educational tool and baseline for ecological monitoring of aquatic insect community dynamics over time to best maintain biodiversity and watershed resources.
FRANK, CRAIG L. (FORDHAM UNIVERSITY – LOUIS CALDER CENTER)
“The relationship between pond habitats, foraging, and the resistance to whitenosesyndrome (WNS) in little brown bats.”
Dr. Frank is looking at how what a bat eats can help it resist the deadly white-nose syndrome which has drastically reduced bat populations across the country. Other studies have found that a particular fatty acid called linoleic acid may help bats become immune to the fungus which causes white-nose syndrome. Linoleic acid can be found in a variety of insects upon which bats prey. Dr. Frank is collecting insect specimens and bat guano in order to determine the amount of linoleic acid in each specimen and which of these insects are being eaten by bats. This study will help managers determine which insect species may be most important to facilitate bat recovery in the northeast. Dr. Frank’s study is already underway and will continue throughout the summer and into the early fall.
PEREIRA, K. ARIA (COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY)
“Critical tests of hypotheses on positive biogeochemical feedbacks of mycorrhizalsymbioses”
PhD student, Aria Pereira, is coming back to BRF this summer to continue collecting data for her dissertation. Ms. Pereira will be planting northern red oak (Quercus rubra) seedlings on a series of plots throughout BRF in order to understand how seedling neighbors determine what type of helpful fungi they acquire. As the climate warms and species ranges shift it will be important to know how different species react to different soil microbiologies.
RADIGAN, SEOSAMH (CITY COLLEGE OF NEW YORK – CUNY)
“Leaf phenology driver in Acer Saccharum: comparison of genetic and abiotic factors in sugar maple leaf phenology”
Dr. Radigan’s project explores the factors influencing leaf phenology (timing of leaf emergence and fall) in sugar maple trees at Black Rock Forest, New York. The research aims to determine whether genetic variation or environmental factors have a greater impact on phenological timing. By combining genetic data obtained through RADseq technology with previously collected phenological data, the study will analyze correlations between genetic distances among trees and their phenological traits. The research will also consider environmental, demographic, and geographic factors using linear mixed effects models. The results will clarify whether genetics or environment predominantly shapes leaf phenology in this population, which has implications for conservation and management strategies under changing climate conditions.
REED-SANCHEZ, EDWIN (BRONX COMMUNITY COLLEGE)
“Black Rock Forest AI”
Mr. Reed-Sanchez’s project aims to develop intelligent camera traps by using Black Rock Forest’s WiFi mesh network to enable AI-assisted monitoring of biodiversity dynamics. The system will use machine learning models to automate species classification from video clips. Initial instrumentation will concentrate on augmenting ongoing manual deer censusing traversing snow-covered ground after storms. With improvement, the technology will better support large-scale surveys of mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. Camera trap studies have successfully measured multiple species in ways that direct observation cannot. This project aims to build a long-lasting, advanced system that enhances ecological research with modern computing. By integrating solar power and smart technology, it offers a new way to understand forest inhabitants and support conservation efforts.
Click here to view past Redden Grant awardees
Click here to apply for a David Redden Conservation Science Fund Grant