Lora Perkins

Education

Ph.D. University of Nevada, Reno
M.S. Oregon State University
B.S. New Mexico State University

Academic Interests

Historically, the landscape of the Northern Great Plains had abundant native grasses and wildflowers. Currently, our landscape is depauperate of native plants, especially wildflowers. The lack of native plants on the landscape has negative impacts on wildlife, insects, soil health, cultural values, and aesthetics. Our landscape is degraded due to the presence and abundance of invasive species, habitat loss and fragmentation, chemical deposition, and saline/sodic soils.
• This new reality requires a more thorough understanding of restoration and production than currently exists for native plants in the Northern Great Plains.

Therefore, my research focuses on:
1) Management and restoration to increase native plants in our grasslands and wetlands
2) Production and propagation of native plants to support restoration and management
3) Including native plants in professional and private landscaping

Restoration Ecology, Plant Ecology, Seed Ecology, Rangeland Ecology

Academic Responsibilities

Rang 205 Introduction to Range Management
Rang 400 Range judging team- URME
EES 425/525 Disturbance and Restoration Ecology
EES 430/530 Biological Invasions
ABS 475 Senior Capstone

Awards and Honors

2022 Pheasants Forever Polaris Habitat Stewardship Award
2019 Bradshaw Medal from the Society for Ecological Restoration
2017 Gamma Sigma Delta Faculty Research Award
2017 Charles E. Bessey Award for Natural Science

Professional Memberships

Society for Range Management
Ecological Society of America
Society for Ecological Restoration

Work Experience

Contributing Editor at Restoration Ecology (2016-present)
Associate Editor at Biological Invasions (2016-present)
Associate Editor at Rangeland Ecology & Management (2018-2022)