Project:

Effect of Environment on Grass Height and Species Diversity on Randall's Island

Students:

Samantha Wechter, Samantha Grad, Noah Wechter

School:

Ethical Culture Fieldston School, The Bronx

Mentors:

Howard Waldman

Abstract:

This project aims to investigate how grass species diversity and growth differ between meadow and forest ecosystems using field measurements and DNA barcoding. Grasses have an essential ecological role by contributing to carbon cycling, soil stability, and biodiversity; however, their distribution and productivity vary across habitats (Sloat et. al, 2025). It is hypothesized that grasses in meadows will be taller and more diverse than those in forests due to greater access to sunlight and favorable soil conditions. To test this hypothesis, grass samples will be collected along a 15-meter transect in both environments on Randall’s Island. At each meter, blade height, soil temperature, and soil moisture will be recorded, and grass samples will be preserved for DNA barcoding using rbcL markers to confirm species identity. Statistical analyses, including t-tests, will be conducted to compare grass height, soil properties, and species diversity between habitats. The findings are expected

Poster:

Team samples:

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