Tuscarora Nation Wetlands Restoration and Ecological Enhancement

Advisor: Dr. Alan Rabideau (Professor, Civil Structural, and Environmental Engineering)
Other mentors: Neil Patterson, Jr. (Tuscarora Environmental Program)

Primary activities: Groundwater monitoring, data analysis, miscellaneous field work

Project Summary: Since the summer of 2009, the Tuscarora Environment Program (TEP) has been preparing a proposal to develop and implement an ecological restoration plan for a wetland area located on the Tuscarora Nation Territory adjacent to the Niagara Power Project reservoir.  Currently, the TEP is considering several wetland restoration design concepts, each of which reflects a different approach to altering and managing the wetland system.  In addition to hydrologic considerations, the project must also consider ecologic, social, and cultural values relevant to the traditions and aspirations of the Tuscarora community.  REU student(s) will work directly with the TEP to gather and analyze hydrologic data associated with the wetland, including detailed water level data associated with a newly installed network of piezometers and data loggers.  In addition to evaluating groundwater and surface water fluxes associated with the wetlands project, REU students will also develop an understanding of Tuscarora environmental policies and practices by assisting with a variety of other projects, some of which will involve field activity.