Mark Lundgren '03 Research Experience
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Konza Prairie Natural Research Area
Mark Lundgren '03
My summer research took place at Konza Prairie Natural Research Area of the Flint Hills area of northeast Kansas (39°05'N, 96°35'W). Konza is one of the largest unplowed tallgrass prairie sites remaining. The area is largely populated by a variety of forbs and grasses with big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii), little bluestem (Schizachyrium scopastrum), and Indian grass (Sorgastrum nutans) dominating. The Konza experience was somewhat unique in that I was able to develop and carry out my own research with the help and guidance of my mentor. Woody plant invasion is becoming an increasingly more important issue for various types of agriculture. My research basically looked at nutrient cycling in areas where woody plants have taken hold in the tallgrass prairie. These nutrient cycling characteristics were looked at across burn treatment (1, 4, 20 year burn cycles) and island size (you can get an estimate of how established a clump of Dogwood is based on "island size"). This is a great internship for ecologically minded people from Grinnell. When trying to get this internship, be sure to play up our wonderful CERA. Not many other colleges have their own tallgrass prairie. The researchers are very generous in giving their time and ideas to your project. Konza is a wonderful research facility, and, since this is an REU position, it pays fairly well. Mentors: Jana Heisler John Briggs (Arizona State University) Other Research Experiences
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