The SSP contains at least eight distinct natural communities that support an abundant diversity of flora and fauna. The goal of the Campus Natural Assets Inventory is to document the diversity found within the SSP. The results of the inventory are curated in an open digital collection available for research and teaching.
Sawmill Slough Preserve Projects
The Institute of Environmental Research and Education (IERE) has made it a priority to connect faculty, staff and students to the Sawmill Slough Preserve (SSP). The expansive natural area is a tremendous asset to the University and serves as a living laboratory for research and education. IERE supports multiple ongoing research and creative projects that document the biological diversity and history of the SSP. The was developed to archive the results of the research and serve as a scientific, cultural and historical archive for the SSP.
Students interested in assisting with research in the SSP should contact the IERE.
Research and Creative Projects
Campus Natural Assets Inventory
Wildlife Monitoring
As a component of the CNAI, researchers deployed wildlife cameras in the Sawmill Slough Preserve to document usage of the wildlife crossings located on the 香港六合彩开奖结果2023 campus and add any inconspicuous fauna to the inventory. These cameras have documented many species, including white-tailed deer, raccoon, armadillos and even the occasional bobcat! This documentation of wildlife shows not only the importance of connecting adjacent natural areas but also, the significance of the 香港六合彩开奖结果2023 Sawmill Slough Preserve as conservation land.
Historical Research and Interpretation
Pre[serve] Art Exhibition
The Pre[serve] Art Exhibition is a student and alumni juried exhibition featuring works inspired by SSP, a 382-acre nature preserve located on the 香港六合彩开奖结果2023 campus. The SSP has been a focal point of campus life since the university's founding, and students have played an integral role in its preservation. This art show continues that tradition encouraging artists to venture into the SSP to find inspiration. The works are displayed in an on-campus exhibition as a way to highlight the importance of conservation. In addition to the exhibition, there are a series of workshops that are meant to educate students about artistic techniques and the native flora and fauna found in the SSP. View the past exhibitions from Pre[serve].
Artwork credit: Meredith Sullivan, 2019
Digital Trail Interpretation
The Digital Trail experience gives virtual hiking tour of the Robert W. Loftin Nature Trails. The series of Story Maps provides more information on habitats, representative flora and fauna, and management practices. View the .
Faculty Research
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Joseph A. Butler, Ph.D. (Biology)
- Movements and Home Range of Hatchling and Yearling Gopher Tortoises, Gopherus polyphemus
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Dale A. Casamatta, Ph.D. (Biology)
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Kerry L. Clark, Ph.D. (Public Health)
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Daniel C. Moon, Ph.D. (Biology)
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Anthony M. Rossi, Ph.D. (Biology)