UW-Green Bay Student Earns Peninsula State Park Research Grant

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay student Rebecca Malcore was selected as the Friends of Peninsula State Park’s grant recipient. Pursuing a degree in Human Biology and Biology, Malcore is focusing on orchid research efforts in Peninsula State Park as part of a broader analysis of orchid conservation in Northeast Wisconsin.

Her study aims to characterize the fungal symbionts of Cypripedium parviflorum and other abundant orchid species at Peninsula State Park with the goal of addressing habitat requirements that may shed light on conservation needs. Data collection is expected to start early summer 2018 and results are expected to become part of a national database within the Smithsonian’s fungal orchid culture collection.

As DNR funding for research continues to decline, opportunities to study ecological habitats to protect and preserve the park’s natural resources becomes even more vital to its sustainability. The Friends of Peninsula State Park are dedicated to ensuring funds are made available to individuals who can help provide critical data and analysis for decision making and have set up an endowment fund to ensure the continuation of this practice. If interested in supporting this effort or submitting a proposal for research, email [email protected].