Linnea is currently a master’s student at the University of Michigan’s School for Environment and Sustainability, specializing in Ecosystem Science and Management. In partnership with Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum (MBGNA), she performed a botanical survey and floristic quality assessment in Dow Field, a prairie ecosystem currently managed with prescribed fire. Additionally, she and her team contributed to MBGNA’s iNaturalist database of butterflies, moths, and other insects to determine native plantings that support this biodiversity. Linnea strives to build bridges between ecological restoration, biodiversity conservation, and environmental education.

TSN Conference 2026

January 23rd, 2026 (Friday) // 11:55 am – 12:20 pm // Room 103 // Ecological Inventory and Monitoring for Biodiversity Conservation // Inventory and monitoring are essential components of adaptive management, providing key metrics to guide management decision-making for biodiversity conservation. For effective management, land managers need to be aware of biodiversity as well as shifts in ecosystem dynamics. However, managers often make decisions with limited data. To rectify this, we designed and implemented a replicable inventory and monitoring protocol based on the needs of Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum (MBGNA). Our protocol includes mapping and monitoring invasive plants, conducting experimental oak plantings, and performing a Floristic Quality Assessment in a prairie managed with prescribed fire. We also utilize bioblitzes and iNaturalist to assist with insect inventory on the properties. Overall, our ecological inventory and monitoring efforts provide crucial data for informing land management decisions at MBGNA and other conservation organizations across southeast Michigan.