Newsletter Volume 2, Number 1 January-February, 1985 New Hampshire Governor John Sununu learns about acid rain at a precipitation collection site in the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, West Thornton, New Hampshire. From left: Dr. Gene E. Likens, Governor John Sununu, accompanied by Hubbard Brook scientists and State officials. Rutgers University Graduate Students Taught at lES Director’s Note This issue of the newsletter features some of the activities of the Institute’s education program. Last July, Dr. Peter Dykeman resigned as Education Coordinator to return to teaching at Rhinebeck High School. Following a national search, we are now in the final stages of recruiting an Education Co- ordinator, and we hope to begin a new and expanded education program. The lES Newsletter is published bimonthly by the Institute of Eco- system Studies at the Mary Flagler Cary Arboretum. Located in Millbrook, New York, the Institute is a division of The New York Botanical Garden. All newsletter correspondence should be addressed to the Editor. Gene E. Likens, Director Joseph S. Warner, Administrator Editor: Anne F. Tileston Copy Editor: Julie Morgan Photographer: Emil Keller Design and Printing: Maar Graphics Group INSTITUTE OF ECOSYSTEM STUDIES The New York Botanical Garden Mary Flagler Cary Arboretum Box AB Millbrook, N.Y. 12545 (914) 677-5343 Twenty-five graduate students from Rut- gers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey participated in a unique educational opportunity at the Institute of Ecosystem Studies (lES) this fall. These students spent three weekends at the Institute for intensive study and field work in ecosystem science. The weekend field trips were part of an ad- vanced ecology course, “Ecosystem and Community Dynamics,” jointly taught by lES staff and Rutgers faculty. Each week- end experience focused on a particular as- pect of ecosystem science. Lectures and field work were presented by lES Director Dr. Gene Likens and lES scientists Dr. Charles Canham, Dr. Jonathan Cole, Dr. Clive Jones, Mr. Jay McAninch, Dr. Mark McDonnell, and Dr. David Strayer. During their first field trip to the Institute, the students conducted a comparative analysis of the structure and composition of a semi-natural hemlock forest at the Mary Flagler Cary Arboretum and a stand of hemlocks in the New York Botanical Garden Forest in the Bronx. Following classroom lectures, the students visited each forest and collected data. Their find- ings pointed out some marked differences. For example, the Arboretum’s hemlocks showed considerable regeneration but the hemlocks in the Bronx had none. This exer- cise was led by lES terrestrial ecologist Dr. Mark McDonnell. One of the students’ toughest assignments while at the Institute was given to them by aquatic ecologist Dr. David Strayer. The students were asked to estimate the total amount of growth of all invertebrates in the Wappingers Creek for a one-year period. To do this, the students spent a day catch- ing insects in the Creek, including dragon- flies, beetles, mayflies, caddis flies, stone- flies, and hellgrammites. They then identi- fied their “catches,” and measured and weighed each one. These data were then plugged into mathematical formulas de- signed to estimate total growth of the in- sects. This experience exposed the students to problems in quantifying complex ecolog- ical processes. This exercise followed class- room instruction on measuring energy flow in aquatic communities. In another session, the students learned about the role of insects in ecosystems and about insect management. To illustrate con- straints in managing ecosystem problems, lES chemical ecologist Dr. Clive Jones led the students through a simulation exercise. The students were presented with the scenario of a gypsy moth outbreak and were asked to play the roles of representa- tives from various state and local agencies and public interest groups. As representa- tives, they were instructed to work to- gether to develop a state gypsy moth policy and strategies for controlling outbreaks. Further, they were to develop public in- formation and education programs. The exercise provided the students with a view of the applications of ecosystem science to policy decision-making. These and other field experiences were in- terspersed with classroom lectures covering everything from biological, geological, and chemical cycles within ecosystems to eco- system disturbance, management, and recovery. For example. Dr. Likens lectured on the flow of nutrients within natural and disturbed forest ecosystems. Using Wap- pingers Creek and the Cary Drive Pond, lES aquatic microbiologist Dr. Jonathan Cole discussed bacterial growth in natural waters. Wildlife ecologist Jay McAninch reviewed vertebrate animal demographics and data collection methodologies. The coursework at Rutgers University fo- cused on the dynamics of ecological com- munities and was taught by Dr. Peter Morin, assistant professor of ecology. The students Continued on page 4 Ecologist Hired to Help Save the New York Botanical Garden Forest Shady path follows the Bronx River along the eastern border of the New York Botanical Garden Forest. In 1895, the New York Botanical Garden acquired a 16-hectare (40-acre) forest along the Bronx River gorge. One of the few re- maining natural areas in New York City, the forest is currently an ecological pre- serve and study site. The New York Botan- ical Garden (NYBG) Forest, a remnant of the northern hardwood forest which once covered this area, contains some nearly pure stands of hemlock. Since its acquisi- tion, however, the NYBG Forest has suf- fered from overuse and abuse by humans, from an overabundant squirrel population, and from air pollution. There is new hope for the NYBG Forest, however. With a grant from the DeWitt Wal- lace Fund, Institute of Ecosystem Studies’ Director Dr. Gene Likens has appointed Dr. Mark J. McDonnell as the Forest Ecolo- gist. Dr. McDonnell’s first task will be to conduct detailed ecological studies of the forest ecosystem. Based on the results of his studies. Dr. McDonnell will work with New York Botanical Garden staff to de- velop a management plan and an education program for use of the forest. Originally, concern for the maintenance and preservation of the forest centered on its hemlocks (Tsuga canadensis). These hemlocks are among the world’s most grace- ful conifers, growing to 30 meters ( 1 00 feet) or more in height. Hemlocks prevail where the soil layer is shallow, underlain by rock, and kept relatively cold and moist by a water course or an underground drain- age pattern. Under favorable conditions, a spongy carpet of fallen needles and acid humus builds on the floor beneath the hem- locks, providing a suitable environment for seed germination. Deep shade cast by these dense trees also helps prevent competing species from becoming established. As early as 1900, staff of the New York Botanical Garden studied the hemlocks’ roots, seed production, and seedlings. The results in- dicated that their concerns were warranted. Unrestricted use of the forest, thin soil, and the hemlock’s shallow root system posed problems for its maintenance and regener- ation. More recently, results of a 1980 study by lES wildlife ecologist Jay McAninch gave cause for concern for the entire forest eco- system, not just the hemlocks. Among his findings, McAninch reported that in many places the forest soil was acidic, dry, and compacted, and that the tree canopy varied widely. He also found that the forest was overpopulated with grey squirrels. These squirrels eat immature cones, acorns, and other seeds, thus interfering with tree re- generation. Further, Mr. McAninch re- ported that human use was unregulated, and the heavy traffic over many years has resulted in the loss of plant cover and soil compaction. These problems present major challenges to Dr. McDonnell. Since the beginning of No- vember, he has been reviewing the results of previous studies and formulating his strategy for studying and restoring the forest. He believes that several steps must be taken immediately and concurrently to begin renewal. Dr. McDonnell’s first step will be to estab- lish a permanent grid system that will mark off plots within the forest. With the help of a survey team, he will subdivide all 16 hec- tares (40 acres) of the forest into discrete, identifiable grid cells. The purpose of the grid system is to be able to pinpoint the exact locations of plants, animals, and study sites within the forest. The grid system will permit scientists to collect data from precise locations over the years for long-term analyses and to replicate studies at specific sites. Dr. McDonnell anticipates that the surveying and marking of the grid cells will be completed next summer. A second crucial step will be to establish areas of restricted public access. Currently, human traffic through the forest is unregu- lated and heavy, especially during the sum- mer months. As a result, there are numer- ous uncharted footpaths and trails criss- crossing the entire forest. Dr. McDonnell plans to adopt a public trail system re- stricting traffic to a few established trails. His plans include the use of hand-outs and large signs to direct and educate the public. “I want to make people aware that they have entered the forest, that they’ve en- tered a special area,” Dr. McDonnell said. “This is the only uncut forest in New York City and I want to remind people that they can help save the forest.” Pe- rimeter signs will provide direction and gen- eral information about the forest, em- phasizing its ecology and efforts to pre- serve it. Although some fencing will be necessary. Dr. McDonnell prefers to rely on natural barriers to discourage public pas- sage. To the extent possible. Dr. McDonnell will use plantings to prevent random access through the forest. Two research assistants will be hired to help Dr. McDonnell in regulating public use of the forest. During peak season, the assistants will act as guides, interpreting for the public ecological issues demonstrated by the forest. They also will help ensure that visitors remain on public trails, reduce vandalism and litter, and provide for the safety of visitors. The assistants also will help with monitoring scientific research. The third step for Mr. McDonnell will be to initiate a scientific research program. He emphasizes that the forest is a scientific re- source and he would like to encourage co- operative research projects with university scientists. Dr. McDonnell believes that study of the NYBG Forest will lead to a fuller understanding of urban ecosystems in other northern, temperate cities. As public areas are redefined, sites within the forest will be secured for research. Funding for these initial steps to study and restore the forest has been provided through a grant to the New York Botani- cal Garden from the DeWitt Wallace Fund. The grant will cover expenses for the first year of study. Dr. McDonnell was appointed NYBG Forest Ecologist following a national search. His research in landscape ecology, focusing on plant-animal interactions and the effects of human intervention, give him the experi- ence necessary to tackle the problems of an urban forest. Dr. McDonnell received his Ph.D. in ecology from Rutgers University in 1983 and has been a postdoctoral asso- ciate at the Institute of Ecosystem Studies since then. Plant Science Building Addition Under Construction From left: James L. Flynn, architect, R.W. Ciferri, contractor, and Dr. Gene E. Likens, lES Director, review designs for the new office addition to the Plant Science Building. I The plans were completed in Septem- I her. Hemlocks and hawthorns were transplanted ~ some to Bacon Flats Lodge, some to the Gifford House. Propane tanks used for heating the Plant Science Building were relocated. The area was cleared, and the bull- dozers rolled in. Construction was be- gun to add office space and other fa- cilities to the Institute of Ecosystem I Studies’ Plant Science Building. Within about four weeks’ time, the 468 square-meter (5,200 square feet), single-story addition went from a con- cept to a reality. Ground was broken I on October 16, 1984 by contractor R.W. Ciferri, Inc. of Millbrook, N.Y. Ciferri successfully bid on the project and will oversee construction, working with the building’s designer, architect James L. Flynn of Poughkeepsie, N.Y. The addition is expected to be ready for occupancy by next summer. The addition to the Plant Science Building is actually the second phase of alterations to the building to accom- modate the Institute’s new research and education programs. In the first phase, completed last summer, labora- tories were renovated to permit more numerous, and more sophisticated, chemical analyses. The renovations in- cluded piping in hot and tap water, not previously available in the labs, as well as installing analytical equipment such as a plasma emission spectrometer, an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, I gas and liquid chromatographs, and a I separate room for washing glassware. 1 The new addition will include nine of- fices for scientific and administrative staff, secretarial space, and a room for microcomputers. The addition also will contain a lecture room with seating for 25 people. This classroom will be a boon to the Institute’s expanding edu- cational programs. (See related stories elsewhere in this newsletter.) Also in- cluded in the addition are a fully- equipped lunchroom, a regulation- sized squash court, locker rooms, and showers. The recreational facilities will complement the exercise equip- ment already in place, and will be available to all lES employees. With the exception of the squash court, all areas of the new addition will be ac- cessible to the handicapped. The addition is being built behind the Plant Science Building and will not be visible from the Sharon Turnpike, Route 44A. The addition’s exterior will be similar in appearance to the existing building, having a grey stucco finish. Like the Plant Science Building, the addition will be propane heated and centrally air conditioned. Funding for the addition was provided by the Mary Flagler Cary Charitable Trust. Hebb Named Director of Botanical Garden in Virginia President, British Ecological Society Lectures at Institute On October 31, the Institute of Ecosystem Studies was honored to have as a guest lec- turer the President of the British Ecological Society, Dr. L. Roy Taylor. In his presenta- tion, entitled “Synoptic Monitoring in the Rothamsted Insect Survey,” Dr. Taylor dis- cussed how data collected over the past 20 years are used to forecast outbreaks and migrations of aphids, Britain’s principal crop-destroying insect. Dr. Taylor has been studying changing patterns in 600-700 insect species. His experience with long- term studies was of particular interest to lES staff, since plans are being developed for long-term ecological studies at the Institute. Robert S. Hebb, Horticulturist of the Mary Flagler Cary Arboretum since 1974, has been appointed Executive Director of the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Rich- mond, Virginia. Mr. Hebb assumed the post on December 1, 1984. The newly-established Lewis Ginter Botan- ical Garden encompasses an historic 29- hectare (72-acre) tract of land once be- longirig to Patrick Henry. As the first Ex- ecutive Director of the Garden, Mr. Hebb’s primary objective will be to develop a master plan for the garden, its research and education programs, and botanical refer- ence services. He will plan and oversee con- struction of major horticultural displays, including an extensive collection of native Virginia plants. Commenting on the new appointment. Arboretum Director Dr. Gene E. Likens ex- pressed regret at Mr. Hebb’s departure. “We’re all sorry to see Bob leave,” said Dr. Likens. “He has been the key figure in the impressive development of the collections of the Arboretum over the last decade. The Board of the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden has made a superb choice and it is an ex- cellent opportunity for Bob.” Mr. Hebb’s most recent project at the Ar- boretum is the Gifford Perennial Garden, a 1-hectare (3-acre) display garden of low- maintenance perennials. A local fund- raising campaign has raised over $150,000 and construction has been proceeding since summer. “We’re particularly pleased that Bob has agreed to return to the Arboretum as a consultant to see the Perennial Garden through to completion,” Dr. Likens said. “He will be back in the spring to oversee the initial plantings and at critical stages thereafter.” RUTGERS STUDENTS . . . (Continued from page 1) enrolled in this intensive, one-semester course were primarily first- and second-year graduate students in the botany, ecology, and zoology programs at Rutgers. The weekend field studies were coordin- ated by Dr. Mark McDonnell. Yale Students Take Class Field Trip to lES Fifteen undergraduates studying ecology at Yale University spent a demanding weekend examing forest and stream habitats at the Mary Flagler Cary Arboretum October 6-7. Soon after they arrived, lES Director Dr. Gene Likens, also a Professor of Biology at Yale University, lectured to the class about research programs at the Institute. In a lecture-walk on stream organisms, the students forded the East Branch of Wap- pingers Creek with lES aquatic ecologists Dr. David Strayer and Dr. Jerzy Kolasa to study some of its insects — mayflies, caddis flies, beetles, and water striders. Later, the students hiked through the Mary Flagler Parv Arhnrptiim with nlant Rmlnui^t Dr Winter Calendar Sunday Programs Programs begin at 2 p.m. All pro- grams meet at the Gifford House unless otherwise noted. Members are admitted free of charge; ad- mission for others is $ 1 for adults and 50^^ for children under 13. Jan. 13 Orchids as Houseplants Meet at Greenhouse. Jan. 27 Greenhouse Tour Meet at Greenhouse. Feb. 3 Antarctica Feb. 10 Greenhouse Tour Meet at Greenhouse. Feb. 17 Bromeliads Meet at Greenhouse. Mar. 3 A Visit to the Bottom of the Ocean - Submarine ALVIN Mar. 1 0 Houseplant Clinic and Repotting Meet at Greenhouse. Mar. 17 Greenhouse Tour Meet at Greenhouse. Mar. 24 Air Pollution: Its Effects on Plants Courses Course dates, lengths and fees vary. Landscape Construction I Landscape Construction II Fundamentals of Gardening The Home Fruit Garden Country Vegetable Garden Plant Propagation and Grafting Plants for Landscaping Ecological Excursion May 3 1-June 2 Cape Cod Ecology and Whale Watch Join lES ecologist Dr. Mark McDonnell in an exploration of Cape Cod geology, flora, and fauna, including a whale- watching cruise. Advance registration is required by April 19. Scientific Seminars The Institute’s weekly program of scientific seminars features presen- tations by visiting scientists or In- stitute staff. All seminars take place in the Plant Science Building on Fridays at 3:30 p.m. Admission is free. Fora schedule, contact Julie Morgan at (914) 677-5343. Arboretum Hours Mon. through Sat., 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sun.. 1 D.m. to 4 p.m. Gift Shop