Alexis Grinde Ph.D.

Head and shoulder picture of a woman.
Professional Title
Wildlife Ecologist, Forest and Land Research Group Leader

About

My research integrates conservation ecology, spatial and habitat ecology, and restoration science to examine how environmental and climate change impact biodiversity and ecosystem function. I use birds as indicator species to study wildlife responses to land use and management changes. My work informs conservation and restoration planning, with a focus on protecting species of conservation concern and promoting ecological resilience.

Education

  • PhD. Integrated Biological Sciences, University of Minnesota, 2015
  • MS. Biology, University of North Dakota, 2005
  • BS. Biology, Bemidji State University, 2001

Recent Publications

Stopover regions, phenology, and spatiotemporal group dynamics of adult and juvenile common terns Sterna hirundo from inland lakes in North America

Recent Publications: Alexis Grinde
2 months 2 weeks ago
Stopover regions, phenology, and spatiotemporal group dynamics of adult and juvenile common terns Sterna hirundo from inland lakes in North AmericaBracey, A., Strand, F., Grinde, A., Cuthbert, F., McKellar, A. E., Moore, D., Craig, E. & Lisovski, S., May 2025, In: Journal of Avian Biology. 2025, 3, e03308.

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Effects of stand age, tree species, and climate on water table fluctuations and estimated evapotranspiration in managed peatland forests

Recent Publications: Alexis Grinde
1 year 11 months ago
Effects of stand age, tree species, and climate on water table fluctuations and estimated evapotranspiration in managed peatland forestsStelling, J. M., Slesak, R. A., Windmuller-Campione, M. A. & Grinde, A., Aug 1 2023, In: Journal of Environmental Management. 339, 117783.

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review

Featured Research Projects

Screenshot of the ForCast tool including data layer overlay in Northern Minnesota, and bar chart analysis of data

ForCAST: Forest Change Assessment and Simulation Tool

The ForCAST tool attempts to provide forestry professionals and land managers with an opportunity to evaluate how a changing climate and changing markets might affect Minnesota’s forests and

Thick forest with curved horizon and blue sky, with bottom of drone visible

Forest Birds of Conservation Concern

A study of habitat and survival rates of species in decline to inform forest management practices.

Moss covered ground with bare pine trees and small square wooden birdhouse

Maximizing Wildlife, Water, & Productivity in Peatland Forests

Use a combination of wildlife, vegetation, and hydrology (water) measurements to determine the impacts of logging on peatland forests.

Golden Winged Warbler resting on a branch.

Minnesota Breeding Bird Atlas

The Minnesota Breeding Bird Atlas documents the distribution of every breeding bird species in Minnesota and provides a solid foundation for future conservation efforts.

NRRI News Articles

One woodpecker pokes head out of tree hole while second is on tree trunk outside.

Pileated Woodpecker: Construction crew of the forest

NRRI initiates study to understand habitat needs, role of tree holes to other wildlife; citizens' sightings needed.

Scarlett Tanager sits on branch among leaves

'Forestry for the Birds' guides management for all

NRRI avian data and expertise brings forest management and happy birds together in one manual for all.

NRRI avian ecology team gather, six ecologists, male and female, smile at the camera with a wetland in the background.

Birds as indicators of a changing world

More than ‘just the facts,’ researchers lean into ‘acts’ and ‘pacts’ to address challenges of environmental changes

Media Coverage