How Does Restoration Affect Food Web Dynamics Within Quail Populations in the McKinleyville Land Trust Dow’s Prairie Educational Wetland?

Authors

Taylor Shaw, Cal Poly HumboldtFollow
Jesika Gonzalez, Cal Poly HumboldtFollow
Lorilynn Acosta, Cal Poly HumboldtFollow
Logan Blank, Cal Poly HumboldtFollow
Zen Godinez, Cal Poly HumboldtFollow
Amir Malikyar, Cal Poly HumboldtFollow
Nanette Durbin, Cal Poly HumboldtFollow
Nievita Bueno Watts, Cal Poly HumboldtFollow

Publication Date

2025

College

College of Natural Resources & Sciences

Document Type

Poster

Description

The McKinleyville Land Trust’s Dow’s Prairie Educational Wetland is a 2.55-acre endangered coastal prairie wetland in California, conserved in 2009. Restoration efforts with the Wiyot Tribe and U.S. Fish & Wildlife removed invasives and reintroduced native plants, but coincided with declining California quail (Callipepla californica) populations. This study establishes the first baseline conditions, using wildlife cameras and botanical surveys to assess quail habitat suitability, examining invasive removal, predation, and fragmentation impacts. Findings will guide adaptive management to balance biodiversity and restoration, while honoring the Baduwa’t Wiyot’s ancestral homeland.