Brianna Rice

Date Approved

2024

Degree Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department or School

Biology

Committee Member

Margaret Hanes, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Katherine Greenwald, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Kristin Judd, Ph.D.

Abstract

Wetland ecosystems function as reservoirs of biodiversity for both terrestrial and aquatic organisms, and are among the most vulnerable ecosystems to degradation. The ecological integrity of two wetlands at Eastern Michigan University’s Fish Lake Environmental Education Center, a bog and one vernal pool, was assessed. Plant species richness was used to conduct Floristic Quality Assessments (FQA) using the coefficient of conservatism and wetland indicator status for each species. The Michigan Rapid Assessment Method (MiRAM) was conducted as a more comprehensive assessment of each ecosystem. The bog had an FQA of 31.6 and a MiRAM: 81/100, representing high-quality wetland conditions. The vernal pool had an FQA of 24.6 and a MiRAM: 69/100, which suggests moderate to high-quality wetlands. In order to maintain these wetlands as educational resources for students, monitoring work should continue using the FQA and MiRAM to identify changes in wetland health.

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