Plant Perspectives of Biodiversity in an Endangered Landscape

This vegetation survey of a remnant tall-grass high-quality prairie known as Gensburg Markham Prairie (GMP) in Markham, IL illustrates the complexities of plant species distribution. While still a preliminary study, the focus of this project aims to provide a visual representation of plants within selected points across GMP. Building on research produced in 1975 and 1981, this study will provide a needed update on ecological health. Following methods similar to the previous studies, the prairie was visited within a two week timespan and species were recorded within a 2.25m2 PVC square, along with the help of a naturalist from Northeastern Illinois University. Overall,113 cumulative species per well combinations were found for a total of 71 distinct species at 13 water level wells (WLW), that correlate with soil core data acquired from previous research. ArcGIS allows the species distribution to be mapped using GPS coordinates and the species per water level well (WLW) are plotted against data acquired relating to metals concentration, soil pH, and soil moisture including inundation of each WLW. The vegetation findings are compared with the previous studies. The questions that followed the study are important for setting the future track of research within GMP and similar prairies.