Earlier this summer, FIRST researcher and PhD candidate Tyler McMahon took the stage at the Fishers Island Community Center for an evening with the community about the long-term restoration work happening right here on the island and what the science is telling us about its impact.
Tyler’s research through the FIRST program focuses on how years of habitat restoration and invasive species management are shaping local biodiversity across Fishers Island. Over three seasons, he and his team have collected data on plant and insect communities, bird populations, bats, and soils across Conservancy properties. His presentation brought that research to life, walking the community through what the data is showing, why it matters, and how it can help guide conservation decisions on the island for years to come.
The evening was designed to bridge the gap between the science happening in the field and the people who call Fishers Island home. Tyler believes that conservation works best when the community understands and is connected to the research being done on their island, and this presentation was a reflection of that.
If you missed the evening, you can still catch the full presentation right here.