The Friends of Peninsula State Park established a Research Fund in 2011 to support academic studies that assist Park management in making informed decisions at Peninsula State Park. Interested parties are encouraged to apply for grants that fund Park improvement studies designed to support sustainability of our natural resources.
Overview
- The Research Fund provides grants of $1,000 to $2,000 for expenses such as field equipment, research supplies, travel and housing. Campsite housing is also available.
- Grant funds are disbursed in two separate payments. Half is awarded at the outset of the project. The remainder is awarded after the Final Report has been approved by the Friends of Peninsula State Park Board of Directors and Park Superintendent.
- Grants are intended for both undergraduate and graduate students.
- Research topics are meant to provide meaningful data and information to Park staff for decision making and strategic planning.
- The Friends work collaboratively with Park staff to identify suggested research topics based on Park needs. Preference is given to current priority topics:
- Terrestrial invasives
- Watershed management
- Air quality studies
- Niagara escarpment ecology
- Bat habitat and dynamics
- Campground management
- Trail use allocation, including ski and snowmobile trails
- Grantees are invited to present their results at FPSP Board meetings and encouraged to present results at academic or professional venues.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
- The grant fund is managed by the Research Grant Committee of the Friends of Peninsula State Park.
- Applications may be submitted year round and are reviewed and approved quarterly based on funds available.
- Preference is given to undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in an accredited college or university.
- Preference is given to applications that fit the suggested research topics but all applications are welcome.
- Applicants must identify a faculty member with whom he/she will collaborate.
- Proposals must include 1) an Application and Budget Form and 2) follow the format and procedure defined in the Proposal and Reporting Guidelines.
Research Reports and Updates
- 2020: Genetic Diversity of Cypripedium parviflorum (Miller)
- 2018: Identification of Orchid Mycorrhizal Symbionts at Peninsula State Park (Malcore)
- 2017: Oak Wilt Summer Research Update (Jagemann)
- 2016: Improving the signage system along the Sunset Bike Route in Peninsula State Park (Parr)
- 2016: Seasonal and Regional Distributions of the Major Vectors, and their Associated Phoresy Rates for the Oak Wilt Fungus (Jagemann)
- 2016: Oak Wilt Summer Research Report Update (Jagemann)
- 2015: Oak Wilt Summer Research Report Update (Jagemann)
- Past Research Reports, 2011-2013
For more information, contact the Friends at research@peninsulastatepark.org.