Mitigating the Risk of Economic and Ecological Harm Posed by Invasive Species in the Dragon Run Watershed

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Robert Rose

Project Description

Working with the Friends of Dragon Run, W&M students will take an integrative approach to mapping the spread and impact of invasive species on the ecologically and socioculturally important ecosystems of the Dragon Run Watershed and develop a strategy for engaging landowners, public land managers, and youth in the mitigation of invasive species.

According to the Virginia Department of Conservation Resources Invasive Plant Species “that are established or may become established in Virginia cause economic and ecological harm and present ongoing management issues.” The number of invasive species - both flora and fauna - in the Commonwealth is increasing. as are their populations and the areas where they occur. 

A William & Mary student will work with Friends of the Dragon Run to develop a strategy for engaging landowners, public land managers, and youth to understand and mitigate the impacts of invasive species on ecologically, culturally, and socioecnomically important ecosystems. The student will help develop an integrative invasive species monitoring and mitigation strategy for the Friends of the Dragon Run. This will include:

• An extensive review of literature and technical reports to identify the top invasive species in the region and relevant management strategies used.
• Use of GIS, field data collection, and possibly drone mapping to explore the extent and impact of invasive species across the region.
• Exploration of the social, economic, cultural, and ecological impacts of invasive species to help answer:

  • What is the risk to the economy and to the environment?  

  • How can we protect the environmentally important and natural resource-dependent economy of the Dragon Run Watershed from invasive species?  

Number of Students

2

Prerequisites and Required Skills

Pre-req: GIS 201 or equivalent required. Experience with plant ID and invasive species management is a plus.

Travel Required

Students will take many trips throughout the program to the Dragon Run Watershed in Virginia. This may include kayaking and hiking on variable terrain to collect data.

Project ID - Format

25-001-25 - CRP Year