Many species are becoming more susceptible to extinction, largely as a result of habitat loss. On Calvin College's campus, there are a number of areas that have been restored to a "natural state" while there are also a number of areas maintained as lawns. While it was obvious that plant diversity would be higher in the restored sites, it was not clear what other types and how much of a biodiversity difference there was between the restored sites and other areas of campus. To help answer this question, a plant survey, an insect survey and a small mammal survey was done in lawn, treed lawn, restored and mature wooded areas, four of each type, around campus. It was found that there was more diversity in the restored areas than either the lawn or treed lawn areas. A Floristic Quality Index (FQI) is currently being done to further analyze and compare these areas. In the spring of 2012, a bird survey will also hopefully be conducted.
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