Arboretum Leaflets

Research conducted at the Arboretum (or relevant to the Arboretum's mission) often results in long reports or technical publications for scientific readers. The aim of these Arboretum Leaflets is to summarize the most important findings for a much broader audience. Among the intended readers are prospective undergraduate and graduate students who want to come to UW-Madison, guides who offer field trips to the Arboretum, students who want to undertake mentored research, Friends of the Arboretum, and the general public.

 

Arboretum Leaflets #15-27

Zedler. 2013. How ponded runoff and invasive cattails reduced wetland ecosystem services in three experimental wetlands. Arboretum Leaflet 27.

An interdisciplinary team of six researchers from UW-Madison assessed six ecosystem services in three experimental wetlands at the Arboretum; their findings greatly advance understanding of the effects of hydroperiod (water conditions) and invasive cattails on (1) plant productivity, (2) diversity support, (3) water quality improvement, (4) soil stabilization, (5) flow attenuation, and (6) stormwater retention. Each finding leads to advice for wetland and stormwater managers.

Download (pdf - 2.3 MB)

 

 

Zedler. 2012. Eco-Cultural Restoration At Ho-Nee-Um Pond. Arboretum Leaflet 25.

Eight of the Arboretum’s diverse ecosystems are readily accessible in the area surrounding Ho-Nee-Um Pond. These are: coldwater springs, fen, groundwater seepages, cottonwood bottomland, oak savanna, woodland, and an excavated pond and shoreline. Of special significance are the 2 springs that flow year-round. These are 2 of only 8 historical springs that still feed Lake Wingra; another 22 have dried up. Here, steps away from a busy street, visitors can still see where groundwater becomes surface water.

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July 2012 Brochure

With funding from the Morgridge Center For Public Service Service Learning Program, volunteers sampled stormwater flowing through Curtis Prairie and contributed to a leaflet that suggests how upstream neighbors could release cleaner water that would help sustain native plants in Curtis Prairie.

Download (pdf - 4.1 MB)

 

Zedler. 2012. A Self-Guided Walk through Curtis Prairie. Arboretum Leaflet 24.

Rainfall and melting snow used to infiltrate into the ground before reaching the Arboretum. Today, urban "hardscapes" discharge excess water and nutrients through Curtis Pond and along the core of Curtis Prairie. About a fourth of Curtis Prairie's 72 acres now support wetland soil and vegetation, both of which remove contaminants that would otherwise flow toward Lake Wingra. We invite you to print this self-guided tour, follow the path of stormwater, and view the Curtis Prairie Wetland. Go with the flow!

Download (pdf - 0.68 MB)

Zedler. 2011. Unintended Negative Impacts of Construction Projects In The Arboretum. Arboretum Leaflet 23.

Construction projects are often necessary to fix problems that arise on site (e.g., a clogged culvert and flooded fire lane) or that result from the Arboretum’s low-lying position in an urban landscape (e.g., increased stormwater inflows that pollute wetlands and lakes). But in the process of fixing problems, construction activities often cause unintended negative impacts. Having a mission to conserve and restore its lands does not ensure that construction projects will comply with Arboretum ideals.

Download (pdf - 0.93 MB)

Leaflet 23 References (pdf - 93 KB)

Zedler. 2010. Tussock Sedge - A Restoration Superplant? Arboretum Leaflet 22.

Arboretum research suggests that tussock sedge (Carex stricta) performs many ecological functions very well. Once widespread and diverse within the Arboretum and Wisconsin, this plant is easy to grow and transplant, spreads rapidly, supports other species, tolerates nutrient-rich soil, and stores carbon. Learn how to grow this "superplant."

Download (pdf - 1.17 MB)

Leaflet 22 References (pdf - 76 KB)

 

Zedler. 2010. Restoration Targets are Changing. Arboretum Leaflet 21.

This comparison of early ideas, current activities, and future targets was Joy Zedler's plenary talk at the second annual conference of the Midwest-Great Lakes Chapter of the Society for Ecological Restoration, held at the Arboretum on April 9, 2010.

Download (pdf - 0.93 MB)

Leaflet 21 References (pdf - 93 KB)

Zedler, P. and J. B. Zedler. 2009. Arboretum 75th Anniversary Seminar. Arboretum Leaflet 19.

In celebration of the Arboretum's 75th anniversary, Joy and Paul Zedler convened a graduate seminar class and hosted guest speakers (mostly electronically), who shared their thoughts about where Restoration Ecology might be headed in the next 75 years.

Download (pdf - 0.54 MB)

Wegener, M. and J. B. Zedler. 2009. Taking Stock. Arboretum Leaflet 18.

The Arboretum's "natural capital" includes a 1200-acre reserve in Madison that was set aside for ecosystem restoration, research and teaching, plus 11 outlying properties that serve as reference sites for restoration activities. This compilation of maps and aerial photos illustrates the Madison core property as well as the challenge the Arboretum faces in restoring native communities in its urban setting.

Download (pdf - 2.23 MB)

Carpenter, Q. and J. B. Zedler. 2008. Demystifying Fens. Arboretum Leaflet 17.

In Wisconsin, fens are considered special because this type of wetland is usually small but diverse in plant species. Separating fens from sedge meadows and wet prairies can be tricky, however. Our local expert, Dr. Quentin Carpenter, helps demystify this important type of wetland ecosystem.

Download (pdf-1.75 MB)

Zedler, J.B., editor. Curtis Praire: 75-year old restoration research site. Arboretum Leaflet 16.

The Arboretum's Curtis Prairie is often revered for being restored nearly 75 years ago, but Leaflet 16 shows that it also has a long history of adaptive restoration--the testing of alternative approaches in field experiments and subsequent use of knowledge to improve restoration efforts. Research underway aims to document and solve contemporary problems with invasive plants (especially reed canary grass and gray dogwood).

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Zedler, J. B., editor. The amazing diversity of root forms among native wetland plants. Arboretum Leaflet 15

An ambitious experiment in summer 2007 compared the growth of 40 native wetland plants. Many students took advantage of the project to produce class reports on the diversity of patterns of root and shoot growth (see the gallery of photos of washed roots). In addition, the experiment tested the effect of adding topsoil to pots.
Most species produced more shoot biomass and less root biomass with topsoil added. Thus, topsoil addition is not recommended for planting natives in stormwater channels where flowing water would wash away top-heavy plants.

Download (pdf - 4.5 MB)

Arboretum Leaflets #1-7
Arboretum Leaflets #8-14
Arboretum Leaflets #15-25