Grassland bird community response to vegetative diversity in restorations in northwestern Iowa

Abstract

The Iowa Lakeside Laboratory also has my thanks and appreciation. Matt Fairchild never hesitated in helping with plant identification and Dr. Michael Lannoo provided valuable information on what the pre-settlement landscape of northwestern Iowa looked like. I also express gratitude for their willingness to house my technicians and me throughout this project. Also, thank you to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Both agencies provided funding through the State Wildlife Grants Program and provided personnel to help with various phases of the project. I also express gratitude to the LaVonne and Dale Foote Memorial Fund, the Prairie Lakes Audubon Bird Club, Iowa Audubon, and Iowa State University. These entities provided additional funding for the project. I would also like to thank my family for their endless support. My parents, grandparents, and siblings were always there to lend support and I appreciate everything they have done for me. Last, but certainly not least, I would like to thank my future wife Megan. She has listened to my rants about smooth brome, bobolinks, and seed mixes with absolute patience. Her absolute delight in being labeled a "bird-nerd" and "prairie-fairy" has contributed greatly to the joy I find in learning about our natural world.