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RESEARCH

Listed below are projects I have contributed to or have researched myself.  I have also included a list of projects I would be interested in working on in the future.

IMPACT OF FIRE ON THE TAYLOR CHECKER SPOT BUTTERFLY HABITAT:  

The focus of this paper is to determine if Mima Mounds is ready to reintroduce the Taylor checker spot butterfly, which is an endangered species.  The butterfly’s population has been on the decline as their key habitats are being destroyed by invasive non-native plants species.  There has been research done over the past 10 years analyzing what needs to be done, or doesn’t, to help improve the habitat for the butterfly.  This paper will discuss the results of the data analyzed in 2014, pre-burn, in 2015, post burn, and 2016 post burn 1 year. 

LAND AND FIRE - TRADITIONAL ECOLOGOICAL KNOWLEDGE

Conclusion: Land and fire can co-exist and we need to preserve and implement prescribed burning as a land management tool

TITLOW PARK RESTORATION PROJECT

This report describes the Titlow Park Restoration Project implemented in 2016-2017 for Metro Parks Tacoma. A team of five students in the University of Washington Restoration Ecology Network (UW-REN) Capstone course planned and completed the restoration between October 2016 and June 2017.

MAPPING THE PUGET  SOUND INDIAN WAR OF 1855-1856 (Muckleshoot)

The primary purposes of my research project are to locate documented battlefields and other hostile historic events that took place during the Puget Sound Indian War of 1855-1856 along the White, Green, and Puyallup River’s and valleys; and to place the Indian warriors on the landscape to show where they lived and the resources they lived off.  As well as classify the site in a way that can create a preservation priority list. 

URBAN INDUSTRY AND SUSTAINABILITY

 The purpose of this research was to explore urban industry planning and determine if there is such a thing as "sustainable industry/manufacturing”?  I was surprised to find that maybe there is, but it would be met with some challenges.

GROWING FOOD AND COMMUNITY

 To begin building this structure, it’s imperative to understand the communities the Giving Garden will be serving.  Two surveys were crafted.  One was written for University of Washington Tacoma (UWT) students and the other written for UWT faculty and staff.  The results of the survey will make a case for how the garden space can be used and can connect to the community and meet their needs. 

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GROWING FOOD, COMMUNITY......AND MEETING COMMUNITY NEEDS

If the mission is to the have the Giving Garden grow food, their must be equal effort being invested in community engagement. Engagement goes deeper into the needs of diverse communities and connects them to the garden in ways that are meaningful to them. It draws groups or individuals into the space by showing them how the garden can feed their interest and needs. Which will inspire and cultivate participation and help the garden grow a bountiful harvest that feeds the body and soul.

Projects of Interest

  • Historic and Cultural Preservation of Bone Lake

  • Protection of the Huckleberry's on Huckleberry Mt.

  • Conservation, Protection of traditional foods systems and eco-system service.

  • Fostering mindful land stewardship.

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