Madelyn Krischer - Marine Science & Computer Science

Riley Daniel - Marine Science

Dr. Tyler Cribbs - Environmental Studies & Coastal Management

Dr. Benjamin Chemel - Chemistry

Fox Pond is a brackish water retention pond on Eckerd College’s campus that connects to Boca Ciega Bay. It is utilized by the Eckerd Community because it provides a variety of ecosystem services. However, the pond's coastline is primarily dominated by Rhizophora mangle and monoculture grass with limited native vegetation. Recent research indicates that monoculture grass influences food web degradation and instability while contributing to the loss of biodiversity. On the contrary, native plants are critical to ecosystems as they contribute to higher ecosystem productivity and biodiversity of insects, birds, and mammals. 

This Gulf Impact Project aims to determine if native plant restoration efforts enhance plant diversity and wildlife presence. Three plot locations were identified in unique areas along the Fox Pond shoreline. At each location, a test plot and a control plot were outlined, each at two by four meters. Data was collected at each plot using random quadrat placement for plant species analysis and trail cameras for wildlife presence. Data for pre- and post-restoration efforts were collected. Images from trail cameras were manually analyzed using Timelapse.

Preliminary observations show an increase in wildlife presence and natural recruitment of native plants in restored plots. These observations suggest that native plant restoration can enhance the biodiversity of wildlife and plant populations present at Fox Pond.

This project highlights the urgent need for communities to increase biodiversity within their local natural environments. Additionally, by enhancing native vegetation with small-scale restoration projects, the overall ecosystem resilience and ecosystem services are strengthened.