The goal of the shrubland restoration project is to restore native shrub habitat for migratory blue- and gold-winged warblers in Carse Wetlands. Currently, the habitat is dominated by invasive Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), which does not provide substantial quantities of fruit for these migratory birds to feed on. To investigate the most successful method to restore this shrub habitat, we are testing three different methods: 
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1. Pulling invasive honeysuckle, planting native live staked chokecherry (Prunus virginiana) and red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea), and fencing the plot to prevent herbaceous ungulates 
2. Pulling invasive honeysuckle, planting native live staked chokecherry and red osier dogwood, but not fencing the plot to prevent herbivory 
3. Planting native live staked chokecherry and red osier dogwood without pulling honeysuckle or fencing the plot 

The plots were established in the spring of 2023, and we plan to expand the treatments and continue to monitor existing plots. Through this research, we hope to understand the effect of herbivory on young native shrubs, the efficacy of live staking as a means for establishing chokecherry and red osier dogwood, and the effect of restoring this habitat on the warbler population at Carse Wetlands. 

Fellows working on one of the test plots at Carse

Planting live stakes at Carse. Live stakes are cuttings from plants that are taken during the dormant season. They look like simple 2-foot long sticks planted in the ground but are an effective and inexpensive way to reestablish life along waterways.

Blue-winged warbler via Audubon

Golden-winged warbler via Audubon