Botanical Surveys
BSAP is at the forefront of botanical and ecological research in the Midwest and beyond. We combine taxonomic expertise, quantitative and qualitative field surveys, and an understanding of the ecological context to further conservation, research applications, vegetation management, and enhance knowledge of both rare and invasive species.
BSAP botanists are experts in the fields of Floristic Quality Assessment (FQA), rare species identification and biology, seed mix design, invasive species biology and control, demographic analysis, and population genetics. The combination of our broad expertise and in-depth knowledge makes us a versatile team that can address a range of needs related to botanical restorations, conservation, and vegetation management.
Capabilities
Rare Species Studies
- Surveys for threatened and endangered species
- Species biology research
- Population genetics
- Demographic analyses (e.g., population counts, tracked individuals)
- Terrestrial and aquatic plant studies
Our Experts: David Zaya, Michael Murphy, Greg Spyreas, and Valerie Sivicek
Habitat Assessment & Categorization
- Floristic Quality Assessment (FQA), accurate and efficient calculations of Floristic Quality Index (FQI) and Mean Coefficients of Conservatism (Mean C)
- Species lists tailored to every need, including complete lists of vascular plants, summaries of pollinator-attracting species, or characterization and comparisons of a community through dominant, invasive, and sensitive species.
- Monitoring required for programmatic agreements, such as the Monarch Butterfly CCAA
- Vegetation by soil, hydrology, and climate associations
Our Experts: David Zaya, Michael Murphy, Greg Spyreas, and Valerie Sivicek
Quantitative Vegetation Surveys
- Quadrat-, transect-, and plot-based surveys; timed-meanders
- Rapid assessments
- Mapping and kriging of plant communities, invasive species abundance, rare species or diversity hotspots
- Landscape studies using remote sensing
- Tailored vegetation sampling protocols and programs
Our Experts: David Zaya, Greg Spyreas, and Valerie Sivicek
Population Biology
- Population genetics
- Demographic analyses, population projections, and Population Viability Analyses (PVA)
- Rule-based assessments of population viability for an entire state’s (Illinois) rare species records
- Climate Change Vulnerability Index (CCVI)
Our Experts: David Zaya and Greg Spyreas
Community Ecology
- Floristic Quality Assessment
- Seed mix design, evaluation, and optimization
- Functional Group analysis
Our Experts: Michael Murphy, Greg Spyreas, and Valerie Sivicek
Analysis & Management of Large Datasets
- Experience managing, querying, and creating large databases with hundreds of thousands to millions of observations
- Unsurpassed knowledge of regional botanical and vegetation datasets
- Custom analyses and studies using advanced statistical techniques powered by rigorously quality-controlled, proprietary datasets
Our Experts: David Zaya and Greg Spyreas
Ecological Management & Research
- Research on invasive species biology, mapping, and control strategies
- Guidance on fire management practices that support ecological restoration
- Studies of pollinator and herbivore interactions
- Data-driven best practices and management solutions
Our Experts: David Zaya and Greg Spyreas
