Antioch University New England - Monadnock Ecological Research and Education Project - Student Work

Student Work

Dave Mallard, MS Conservation Biology

To complete his master’s degree in Conservation Biology, David Mallard established 88 permanent research plots on Mt. Monadnock during summer of 2007. Between 2000 and 3000 feet in elevation, he visited each five-meter radius plot, recording the diameter at breast height (DBH) and species of each tree greater than two inches in diameter; tree canopy height; a tally of saplings of each species; the percent cover of shrubs; the presence of ground cover plant species; and soil depths. Beyond the quantitative data, Mallard conducted a qualitative health assessment of live trees and dead tree decay, as well as the general community structure and composition of each transect outside of the plots.

The purpose of Mallard’s study: to describe the natural communities and their current distribution on Mt. Monadnock. Mallard used the information he gathered from each plot to delineate the distribution of forest communities on the mountain. He identified seven distinct community types within the study area: subalpine rocky bald, sheep laurel-Labrador tea heath-krummholz, red spruce-heath-cinquefoil rocky ridge, high elevation spruce-fir forest, northern hardwood-spruce-fir forest, sugar maple-beech-yellow birch forest, and hemlock-beech-oak pine forest. Mallard discovered that Subalpine rocky bald and sheep laurel-Labrador tea heath-krummholz communities are both rare statewide, extremely rare in this region, and considered to be highly sensitive to climate change. Additionally, the dominant community type, high elevation spruce-fir forest, is also extremely rare in this region and considered to be highly sensitive to climate change. His research will serve as baseline vegetative data for the MERE long-term research project. Learn more about Dave Mallard's work on Mount Monadnock.

Melissa Green, MS Candidate, Conservation Biology

During the summer of 2008, master's candidate Melissa Green conducted a study of the understory vegetation on Mt. Monadnock. Using the long-term research plots previously established by David Mallard, she recorded percent cover of understory species, tallied saplings, and measured environmental variables at each plot. Green is currently analyzing the data she collected, and is combining her data with Mallard's to get a more complete picture of the distribution of plant communities on the mountain.

As part of her analysis, Green is also looking back at historical data collected by Henry Thoreau in the 1850s, Henry Baldwin in the 1970s and Diane Eno’s 2006 species lists to determine if any shifts in species composition have occurred over time. Analyzing past plant species distribution and current climate science, Green hopes to predict possible scenarios for future distribution of plant communities on the mountain in the face of climate change. Her research will serve as baseline vegetative data for the MERE long-term research project.

Nathaniel F. Hoag, MS Candidate, Environmental Media Arts

As part of his Masters studies in Environmental Media Arts at Antioch University New England, Nathaniel Hoag is directing his creative talents toward Mount Monadnock. Following on the heels of an independent study in Music and Nature, Nathaniel is developing a CD that explores the mountain’s natural and cultural soundscape.

The CD will include field recordings, music, interviews, poetry readings, and historic re-creations. It will guide listeners on a tour of Mount Monadnock’s distinctive acoustic features, and will offer a unique perspective of some colorful events and characters from the mountain's history.

From Thoreau to noise pollution, and from ravens to crickets, Nathaniel’s composition will feature the voice of one of New Hampshire's most beloved mountains. Listen to audio clips from Nathaniel's Project--The Voice of Monadnock..

Christine Gleason, MS Candidate, Conservation Biology

While studying at Antioch, Christine Gleason had the opportunity to work with the MERE project as Education Coordinator. In association with the Monadnock Advisory Commission, Gleason created an informational brochure to be displayed at Monadnock State Park. The pamphlet provides educational and outreach information regarding current threats, research, and management at Monadnock State Park. In addition, the Monadnock Advisory Commission brochure aims to raise visitors' awareness of our local, natural landmark. Gleason's work played an important role in bringing together three organizations-The Monadnock State Park, The Monadnock Advisory Commision and MERE-with same goal of preserving Mt. Monadnock for generations to come.

Annie Jacobs, MS Candidate, Environmental Writing and Creative Arts

Christine Gleason Annie Jacobs' program at Antioch focused on educating the public through clear, engaging, and informative writing on environmental topics. Throughout her program, she sought creative and effective ways to educate with the written word. For the MERE Project, she felt that there must be a way to relate the research on Mount Monadnock to people living in surrounding towns. How, and with what type of information, was the biggest question, and she settled on two major media venues: newspaper and website. Annie wrote an article for the Keene Sentinel, and worked closely with Bonnie Hudspeth to write much of the material on this website.

After hiking the mountain with a the Keene High School students; interviewing people who love the mountain, and people working on the MERE Project; and researching the lore and history of the mountain, Jacobs tried to shed a big-picture light on this special mountain, and the important research taking place there. Along with editing Whole Terrain, Antioch's Journal of Reflective Environmental Practice, the MERE Project was an important piece of her Antioch program, and she will always feel a special kinship with Monadnock.

Bonnie Hudspeth, MS Candidate, Environmental Advocacy and Journalism

Bonnie Hudspeth

As part of her work in Environmental Communications, Bonnie Hudspeth explored many methods of blending the art of science and writing to effectively communicate with an extensive and diverse audience. As communications coordinator for the MERE Project in the spring of 2008 Hudspeth wrote content for and designed the MERE Project website and wrote grants to initiate funding.

In addition, Hudspeth wrote an article for the Keene Sentinel, published on February 25, 2008, reporting the start of the collaborative MERE Project to the greater Monadnock community. Hudspeth had the opportunity to practice and improve her interview skills by speaking with many of the individuals involved in MERE Project partner organizations, such as Charlie Royce of the Monadnock Advisory Commission and Marshall Davenson of Keene High School.

Hudspeth hiked Mt. Monadnock with Davenson's Keene High School AP Environmental Science class on their first ascent up the mountain to start identifying and describing pocket communities. During the hike Hudspeth took pictures for the MERE Project website and interviewed students about their experience.