Our Work
Mangrove Forest
As warming temperatures reduce the frequency of extreme freeze events, mangrove species are expanding their ranges into temperate climates. However, other factors, including propagule predation and dispersal mechanisms, also play important roles in patterns and rates of poleward mangrove migration.
Modeling Poleward Mangrove Expansion in FL
Our stage-based population model demonstrates that interactions between freezes, propagule predation, and dispersal affect local mangrove establishment, which informs patterns and rates of regional mangrove expansion. Read more here.
Refining Temperature Thresholds for Mangroves
In this USGS-led project, we used data from a regional monitoring network of 38 sites in the southeastern US to refine temperature thresholds for mangrove damage, mortality, and recovery from extreme freeze events. Read more here.
Top-down Control on Mangrove Encroachment
Based on results of a field experiment monitoring caged and non-caged propagules and seedings, we found that predation from purple marsh crab strongly suppressed mangrove colonization in otherwise habitable salt marsh. Read more here.
Grazing Facilitates Mangrove Encroachment into Marsh
In a greenhouse study led by an undergraduate student, we found marsh periwinkle prefers grazing cordgrass to red or black mangrove seedlings. This may facilitate mangrove encroachment into salt marsh.
