Habitat

Program Overview

Understanding the ecosystem needs of terrestrial and aquatic wildlife to inform conservation efforts, management of natural resources, and opportunities to restore habitat in urban and rural environments.

Recent Research

  • Black Spruce forest peatland studies led to development and testing of alternative harvest methods that will help inform sustainable forest management and enhance understanding of these complex habitats and valuable ecosystems that maintain biodiversity. 
  • Deer-Vehicle Collision Project is informing improved highway safety efforts by the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Additional funding was approved to expand the study to the Twin Cities metro area. 
  • Moose habitat review is informing a Minnesota Department of Natural Resources effort to establish large areas of moose habitat in northeast Minnesota.

Related News

A man walks through a forest holding an antenna

From the tree tops to boots on the ground, this avian ecologist enjoys his role in informing forest management

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

More than ‘just the facts,’ researchers lean into ‘acts’ and ‘pacts’ to address challenges of a changing world

A woman wearing a head net looks at a small mammal trap attached to a tree.

Temperatures and habitat changes push species into ‘Zone of Sympatry’ with northern cousins.

A tree swallow held in a hand while yellow band is attached to leg.

NRRI cross-disciplinary research explores availability of food sources for declining species of bug-eating birds.

Cover of "The Breeding Birds of Minnesota" book

Renowned Duluth avian ecologist, former NRRI leader, Jerry Niemi, co-authors The Breeding Birds of Minnesota.

Least Sandpiper (Kolbe)

NRRI study helps inform benefits of shipping channel dredge material for island habitat.

A man stands at a podium with a microphone in front of a presentation slide.

NRRI scientists present findings on projects with broader water community.

Gray and white bird sits on slim branch.

Warm winter weather in northern latitudes can have both positive and negative effects on well-known and beloved resident bird species, like the Canada Jay, Boreal Chickadee and Black-capped Chickad

Woman standing outdoors with mountains in background

Wildlife biologist finds NRRI research on the 'wild side' fits her life and passion.

Blue and white bird sits on a nesting box.

NRRI research underway to understand availability of flying insects impact to bird populations.

Media Coverage