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2006 Botanical Research Support

Proposal Deadline: March 15, 2006

Introduction: Adkins Arboretum sponsors graduate and undergraduate student field research projects to further the Arboretum’s mission – to promote the appreciation and conservation of the native plants of the Delmarva Peninsula.

Project Description: Projects must contribute to the understanding, successful protection, conservation or restoration of the coastal plain’s native flora, including connections with wildlife. The diversity of habitats and restored areas within the Arboretum grounds make it ideal for a broad range of research topics, although on-site research is not a requirement of the award. Research in botany, ecology, forestry, horticulture, plant genetics, landscape architecture, geography or other areas supporting the Arboretum’s mission will be considered. Priority will be given to research within the Delmarva Peninsula, but other projects will be considered. Awards may support ongoing projects that may not to be completed in 2006.

Research projects that have been funded in the past:

• Comparative ecology of an invasive perennial Rubus phoenicolasius and the native Rubus argutus
• Reproductive consequences of low density in plant populations
• Quantifying successional dynamics within the context of a reclamation plan for maritime forest
• Differences between native and introduced populations of Phragmites australis on Maryland’s eastern shore
• The effects of alien plants on native ecosystems: a comparison of insect herbivory on native and exotic plant species
• Polyploidy and genetic diversity of invasive populations of Phragmites australis by population comparison

Financial Support: The maximum award is $2,000. Awards historically have ranged from $500 to $2,000. A final progress report will be due December 15, 2006.

Application Requirements: Applications must be postmarked no later than March 15, 2006 and include a short proposal (less than five single-spaced pages that include a project title, introduction, objectives or hypotheses, brief methods, expected results or benefits, potential management implications, references and a budget outline), a letter of support from a faculty advisor, two recommendation letters, a resume, and unofficial transcripts. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited university program as a degree-seeking student. Selected applicants will be notified by April 15, 2006.

Send applications to: Sylvan Kaufman, Conservation Curator, Adkins Arboretum, P.O. Box 100, Ridgely, MD 21660. E-mail her at . If you have questions about the program, call Sylvan Kaufman at 410-634-2847,extension 24.