Use of vegetation sampling and analysis to detect a problem within a portion of a prairie restoration project.

In June 2005, the Department of Energy (DOE) began establishing the 60-ha Howell Prairie around the disposal cell at the DOE Weldon Spring Site (WSS). Prairies were historically present in the area of the site. Quantitative Cover sampling was used to quantify Total Cover, Native Grass Cover, Non-Native Grass Cover, Native Forb Cover, Non-Native Forb Cover, Warm Season (C Grass), Cool Season (C Grass), Perennial Cover and Annual Cover, Litter, and Bare Ground.

Suppression of prairie grasses due to excess magnesium in a portion of a restored prairie.

In June 2002, the Department of Energy (DOE) began establishing the 60 ha Howell Prairie at the DOE Weldon Spring Site (WSS). In one area, the clay base is different from the other soil (subarea 2C). Vegetation sampling was conducted on four permanent plots across the prairie beginning in 2008, and shows that three of the four plots have strong establishment of native prairie species including prairie grasses.

Quantification of prairie restoration for phytostability at a remediated defense plant.

In June 2008 and 2009, cover, density, and species diversity were measured on two areas of the prairie at the U. S. Department of Energy Weldon Spring Site to begin quantification of the prairie establishment and the effects of a prairie burn.

Biochemical alterations in rat Thiry-Vella fistulas.

In order to obtain baseline information on the secretory function of normal rat bowel for our work on intestinal graft ischemia, we studied several biochemical parameters in rat Thiry-Vella fistulas (TVF). TVFs were created in 200-g male Lewis rats (n = 11) using the 25-cm segment of jejunum normally used as a graft in our intestinal transplant model. The stomas were matured primarily and the animals were allowed to recover.