Prairie-oak ecosystems in the Willamette Valley, Oregon have experienced habitat loss and degradation; most of these ecosystems are fragmented into smaller patches. Prairie-oak butterfly species, in the Willamette Valley, have decreased dramatically due to loss or degradation of habitat. More research is needed on sustaining the populations of butterflies in prairie-oak ecosystems. The purpose of my study was to examine the role prairie-oak habitats have in structuring butterfly communities in the Willamette Valley. My objectives were to: (1) assess how butterfly community structure and species composition (density, abundance, and species richness) varies along an oak canopy cover gradient in order to understand the role of habitat type in structuring butterfly communities in prairie-oak ecosystems; (2) characterize community composition of nectar resources and environmental variables known to be important for butterfly species. I also investigated temporal and structural relationships between butterfly and flower communities. I found that butterfly abundance and density were greater (p

Small remnants of 'natural' habitats exist today throughout much of the world. Upland prairies in the Willamette Valley, Oregon have been nearly eliminated by conversion to agriculture and other uses. As a result, very few prairies remain and at least four butterfly species that require this habitat appear to be locally uncommon. To better understand requirements for conservation and management of upland prairies and the species that depend on them, I investigated plant abundance and species richness, butterfly abundance and species richness, and prairie integrity on 17 prairie remnants. To evaluate the relationship between prairie integrity and butterfly community composition, integrity was defined by abundance and species richness of native, prairie plant species. Because little is known about the habitat requirements of prairie-dwelling organisms, I also investigated juvenile and adult food resource use and spatial patterns associated with resource use by four locally uncommon butterfly species: common checkered-skipper, Fender's blue, Anise swallowtail, and field crescent. Plant species used and not used for nectaring and oviposition and spatial relationships between the two were explored for each butterfly species. My study provides evidence that remnants, including small, degraded sites, serve as refuges for locally uncommon butterfly species. The greatest mean number of butterfly species was detected on sites of high integrity, but total butterfly abundance at all but one unique site was similar to that of low and medium integrity sites. Butterfly species richness appeared to be positively associated with remnant integrity while factors other than remnant integrity as defined here may be influential on butterfly abundance. Furthermore, I suggest that the locally uncommon butterflies studied here have specific habitat requirements and this likely contributed to their sparse distribution. Although host plant abundance did not appear to limit butterfly distributions within either site, I lacked sufficient sample sizes necessary to make strong inferences. Factors other than, or in combination, with host plant occurrence, such as presence of Composite nectar species and native plant abundance, may be important in determining their distribution within a site. Lack of large areas of habitat and incidence of uncommon species on remnants makes it imperative that we conserve biodiversity by the maintenance, improvement, and protection of some very small areas.

The fragmented Midwestern U.S.A landscape creates prairie remnants embedded in an agricultural matrix, potentially impermeable to dispersing individuals. Conservationists are recognizing the importance of protecting tallgrass prairie along railways because these remnants represent a significant amount of unplowed prairie. These small but relatively common remnants are important from the perspective of right-of-way management and aesthetic beauty, but may also help insure a sustainable future for native species by providing important floral and larval resources for pollinators. We sampled butterflies in 2003 and 2004 at prairie remnants to examine the differences in species composition between linear and block (e.g. prairie preserves) habitats. We used a multiscale approach to determine local and landscape factors on butterfly diversity and community composition. Contrary to our hypothesis, results indicate that linear habitats have a greater total number of species and total number of disturbance-tolerant species than block habitats. Linear and block habitats do not significantly differ in the abundance of habitat-sensitive butterfly species. Correspondence analysis, which examines community composition, clearly separates linear from block habitats. Results from partial least squares regression suggest there are indeed effects of the landscape on butterflies at all scales investigated (local; 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 km). Litter was the local variable most highly correlated with butterfly abundance while roads in the landscape were highly correlated with abundance. Variance partitioning using partial canonical correspondence analysis indicated that landscape variables add additional explanatory power beyond local variables. From this we conclude that although linear habitats harbor a different assemblage of butterflies than block habitats, linear habitats provide important habitat for habitat-sensitive species in Iowa. Understanding landscape scale patterns and processes may enhance our knowledge of butterfly diversity on prairie fragments in the Midwest, USA.

This volume represents a first attempt at holistically classifying and mapping ecological regions across all three countries of the North American continent. A common analytical methodology is used to examine North American ecology at multiple scales, from large continental ecosystems to subdivisions of these that correlate more detailed physical and biological settings with human activities on two levels of successively smaller units. The volume begins with an overview of North America from an ecological perspective, concepts of ecological regionalization. This is followed by descriptions of the 15 broad ecological regions, including information on physical and biological setting and human activities. The final section presents case studies in applications of the ecological characterization methodology to environmental issues. The appendix includes a list of common and scientific names of selected species characteristic of the ecological regions.

CLICK HERE to download sample native plants from Real Gardens Grow Natives For many people, the most tangible and beneficial impact they can have on the environment is right in their own yard. Aimed at beginning and veteran gardeners alike, Real Gardens Grow Natives is a stunningly photographed guide that helps readers plan, implement, and sustain a retreat at home that reflects the natural world. Gardening with native plants that naturally belong and thrive in the Pacific Northwest’s climate and soil not only nurtures biodiversity, but provides a quintessential Northwest character and beauty to yard and neighborhood! For gardeners and conservationists who lack the time to read through lengthy design books and plant lists or can’t afford a landscape designer, Real Gardens Grow Natives is accessible yet comprehensive and provides the inspiration and clear instruction needed to create and sustain beautiful, functional, and undemanding gardens. With expert knowledge from professional landscape designer Eileen M. Stark, Real Gardens Grow Natives includes: * Detailed profiles of 100 select native plants for the Pacific Northwest west of the Cascades, plus related species, helping make plant choice and placement. * Straightfoward methods to enhance or restore habitat and increase biodiversity * Landscape design guidance for various-sized yards, including sample plans * Ways to integrate natives, edibles, and nonnative ornamentals within your garden * Specific planting procedures and secrets to healthy soil * Techniques for propagating your own native plants * Advice for easy, maintenance using organic methods

Ann L. Riley describes an interdisciplinary approach to stream management that does not attempt to control streams, but rather considers the stream as a feature in the urban environment. She presents a logical sequence of land-use planning, site design, and watershed restoration measures along with stream channel modifications and floodproofing strategies that can be used in place of destructive and expensive public works projects. She features examples of effective and environmentally sensitive bank stabilization and flood damage reduction projects, with information on both the planning processes and end results. Chapters provide: history of urban stream management and restoration; information on federal programs, technical assistance, and funding opportunities; and in-depth guidance on implementing projects: collecting watershed and stream channel data, installing revegetation projects, protecting buildings from overbank stream flows.