North Central Research Station

Ecology and Management of Riparian and Aquatic Ecosystems Research Focus

Our mission is to improve understanding of how we can use, and still sustain riparian and aquatic ecosystems.

We are working to understand the structure and function of riparian and aquatic ecosystems, their ecological processes, and linkages to external systems.

We develop new tools for managing riparian and aquatic ecosystems that are adaptable to a diversity of landscape conditions and societal values.

Our research focuses on:

Restoration Studies - Our research tests restoration methods to understand their influence on nutrient and carbon processing, surface water quality and aquatic biota.  

Mercury Studies- Our research aims at understanding how mercury gets into our surface waters and if there are watershed management techniques that either enhance or deter these inputs. 

Carbon Studies- Our research aims at understanding sinks and sources of carbon, where they occur, and if management can affect these pools. 

Best Management Practices - Our research continues to test and improve on current recommendations for forest managers, especially those related to areas near surface waters and wetlands. 

Agricultural Studies - Our current research focuses on moving from single crop systems to multi-crop, diversified landscapes to improve water quality and enhance native biodiversity while still providing economic benefits to the farmer.