{"id":405,"date":"2025-04-16T15:35:08","date_gmt":"2025-04-16T15:35:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.uwb.edu\/cosee\/?page_id=405"},"modified":"2025-04-29T17:37:59","modified_gmt":"2025-04-29T17:37:59","slug":"invasive-research-in-the-park","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.uwb.edu\/cosee\/research\/invasive-research-in-the-park\/","title":{"rendered":"Invasive research in the park"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Modeling the invasion of holly: Spatial relationships and spread trajectories<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Santiago Lopez and Dr. David L. Stokes, two members of CoSEE conducted an in-depth study on the invasion of English holly (Ilex aquifolium) in Saint Edward State Park. Their research, published in The Professional Geographer, explores the spatial relationships and spread trajectories of this invasive species.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By analyzing data collected between 2011 and 2014, the study highlights how environmental factors, such as proximity to evergreen forests, forest edges, streams, and topography, affect holly\u2019s establishment. Using geospatial modeling and field data, they mapped out holly\u2019s current spread and predicted future invasion patterns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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read the full article<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Why study invasive species in this place?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Invasive species like English holly pose a significant threat to native ecosystems. They compete with native plants, alter nutrient cycles, and can lead to biodiversity loss. By understanding how invasive species spread, researchers can develop better management strategies to protect parks and natural areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key findings from their study:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n