The Community Foundation has awarded $6,000 to Dr. David Aborn of Biological
& Environmental Sciences to support the Migration and Overwintering Ecology
of
Sandhill Cranes in Eastern Tennessee Project.

As a result of crop planting for waterfowl, the Sandhill crane population has
increased from 1,000 to 12,000 in the past twenty years at the Hiwassee
Wildlife Refuge located in Eastern Tennessee.  This increase has led not only
to poaching and hunting, but also to having the Tennessee Wildlife Resources
Agency list the birds as a species in need of management.

Dr. Aborn and his staff of undergraduate and graduate students will observe
and radio-track Sandhill Cranes at the Hiwassee Wildlife Refuge to determine
their length of stay, activity patterns, diet, habitat use, and local
movements.
By conducting this research, Dr. Aborn and his staff will identify the
reason
Sandhill cranes are migrating in Eastern Tennessee instead of completing the
migration route to Georgia and Florida.  The results of this research
will provide information for proper management of the cranes in East
Tennessee.

This project is exemplary in providing research opportunities for both
undergraduate and graduate students in Biological and Environmental Sciences.
Please join us in congratulating Dr. Aborn on his success in securing funds
to support this project.

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Diane Miller
Director
Office of Grants and Program Review/Dept 4905
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
615 McCallie Avenue
Chattanooga, TN  37403
TELEPHONE:  423-755-4431
FAX:  423-755-4052
EMAIL:  [log in to unmask]
WEBSITE:  http://www.utc.edu/Grants-and-Research/