Small Grant Program

Introduction

The purpose of this grant program was to stimulate a series of small research projects (< $50 k each) suitable for undergraduate level students and a limited number of M.S. level students. This led to a wide range of varied research programs at Duke University, George Mason University, Old Dominion University, Virginia Tech and the College of William & Mary/VIMS. Many of these projects have resulted in larger research awards.

Request for Proposals

Amount awarded to all institutions: $541,201

Task #1: Changes in Soil-Water Characteristics Due to Construction Practices of a Mitigation Bank Wetland in the Virginia Piedmont – George Mason University

Task #2:  A Comparison of Wetland Functions and Services on Restored Wetlands of the Piedmont Carbon and Nitrogen Storage Release Estimates – Duke University

Task #3:  Determination of Wetland Soil Hydroperiod, Rooting Depth, and Organic Matter Levels in Natural vs. Created Wetlands – Virginia Tech

Task #4:  Assessing Availability of Groundwater Resources for Piedmont Mitigation Wetlands – Old Dominion University

Task #5: Improving Wetland Creation and Restoration: Species Selection, Site Preparation, and Planting Techniques – Virginia Tech

Task #6: Determining Physiochemical Parameters to Enhance Tree Growth and Design Plans for Piedmont Created Wetlands – Virginia Tech

  • Funds for this program were incorporated into the project led by Dr. Mike Aust under Task #5 above.

Task #7: Development of a Wetland Vegetation Hydraulic Properties Database

Task #8: Comparing Mitigation Success to Mitigation Banking Instruments and Permit Conditions – Vegetation – College of William and Mary

  • Funds for this program were incorporated into the larger project led by Dr. Jim Perry under the Sustainable Created Wetlands RFP.

Task #9: Comparing Mitigation Success to Mitigation Banking Instruments and Permit Conditions – Hydrologic and Soil Conditions – Old Dominion University

  • Funds for this program were incorporated into efforts reported above for Task #4 and for other efforts by Dr. Rich Whittecar in support of the Water Budget Modeling and Monitoring RFP.