Prioritizing Areas for Landscape-Scale Ecological Restoration

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Robert Rose and Dr. Pallabi Kundu

Student Researcher

Noa Rudisch '27, Majors: Integrative Conservation and Biology

Project Description

Working with American Prairie and Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, Noa Rudisch explored the association between riparian ecosystems, beaver dams, and biodiversity to support prioritization of prairie restoration.

Grassland ecosystems support globally important biodiversity, ecosystem services, and socioeconomic and cultural values for many communities. Restoring landscape-scale and resilient grassland ecosystems across, therefore, requires an integrative approach to understanding the ecological and socioeconomic dimension of the ecosystem. 

American Prairie and the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) are collaborating to develop a plan for landscape-scale prairie ecosystem restoration and reconnection in Montana. To inform the American Prairie conservation strategy, the team is identifying priority zones for restoration, considering diverse factors such as ecosystem functionality, biodiversity, landscape connectivity, wildlife space use, restoration potential, socioeconomic and cultural activities, and human perceptions.

In 2025, Noa Rudisch explored the association between beaver dams, riparian ecosystems and leopard frogs to support efforts by American Prairie to prioritize areas for grassland restoration. 

Project ID - Format

25-010-25 - CRP Year