Exploring the Boreal Forest: How The Ridges Sanctuary Uses the CI-110 Plant Canopy Imager for Critical Ecological Research

In the heart of Door County, Wisconsin, The Ridges Sanctuary stands as a vital steward of one of the most biodiverse regions in the Midwest. This sanctuary, the first and oldest private land trust in Wisconsin, has been preserving its land since 1937. Under its care are 1,700 acres of boreal forest, a unique paleo remnant of old growth, influenced by Lake Michigan’s climate. This region hosts a wide variety of plant species, making it an essential area for ecological research. Tony Kiszonas, the Director of Research at The Ridges Sanctuary, plays a pivotal role in advancing these conservation efforts.

About Tony Kiszonas

Tony Kiszonas brings a rich background in biology, transitioning from teaching high school biology to playing a role in the sanctuary’s conservation projects. His work is centered on studying and preserving critical plant species, with a focus on their response to changing environmental conditions. The Ridge’s Sanctuary’s mission involves protecting the land, providing education, and conducting impactful ecological research, with Tony working closely alongside land managers to align research with the restoration needs of the ecosystem.

Preserving Rare and Threatened Species

A key part of Tony’s work is directed at preserving specific plant species that are at risk due to environmental changes, notably numerous lady’s slipper orchid species, particularly the ram’s head lady’s slipper orchid and, additionally, the dwarf lake iris. These species are located on the southern edge of their range, making them vulnerable to climate change. Tony’s team is working on finding ways to protect these species by establishing new populations through restoration efforts.

His research aims to understand the ideal environmental conditions—light levels, temperature, and soil moisture—that will support the growth and flowering of these plants. This data is crucial for conservation strategies, especially for the Dwarf Lake Iris, which is listed as a threatened species and grows only in specific locations around Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.

The CI-110 Plant Canopy Imager Enhances Research Efforts

At the core of Tony’s research is the CI-110 Plant Canopy Imager. This device helps the team measure light levels under the forest canopy, which is critical for understanding the habitat requirements of the plants they are studying. The hypothesis Tony’s team is working with revolves around the idea that a specific range of PAR (photosynthetically active radiation) values can significantly influence the flowering rate of both the Lady’s Slipper and Dwarf Lake Iris.

The CI-110 is essential in providing accurate measurements of canopy density and PAR values, helping to create the right conditions for these plants. For instance, in their experiments, the team creates different canopy openings—some areas with full canopy, others with partial shade, and areas with limited or no canopy cover at all—to study the effects of varying light levels on plant growth. By analyzing the data from the CI-110, they can determine which environments provide the best opportunities for transplanting these plants to new areas, aiding in their long-term conservation.

CI-110 Data Supports Conservation Efforts

The data collected using the CI-110 Plant Canopy Imager is a critical component of the conservation strategy. Tony and his team plan to use the information to identify ideal locations for transplanting orchids and irises, based on the canopy density and light levels that promote the healthiest growth. The research will also help to buy time for these species, giving them a chance to adapt to changing climate conditions by moving them to areas where they can thrive and adapt to different environmental pressures.

Additionally, the research could provide insights into how other plants within the boreal forest respond to varying light conditions, contributing to the broader goal of ecosystem preservation.

Tony’s Advice for Using the CI-110

The work being done at The Ridges Sanctuary is vital, not only for the preservation of endangered species but also for the broader understanding of how plant populations respond to environmental changes. Tony advises other researchers interested in using the CI-110 to spend time learning the nuances of the tool. Much like learning to use a high-quality camera, mastering the CI-110 requires hands-on experience to fully understand its capabilities and how to get the most accurate data.

The research at The Ridges Sanctuary is still ongoing, and Tony and his team are optimistic that the data collected will provide valuable insights for both current and future restoration projects. They hope to eventually expand their efforts beyond the boreal forest, contributing to larger-scale conservation initiatives across the region.

As Tony puts it, “The CI-110 has tremendous potential, but you need to get out there and play with it.” His work underscores the importance of integrating technology into conservation efforts to provide better-informed, data-driven solutions for preserving the world’s most vulnerable ecosystems.