Brad Herrick, UW Arboretum Ecologist and Research Program Manager, Selected to Lead Lakeshore Nature Preserve

Brad Herrick, outgoing Arboretum ecologist and research program manager

Brad Herrick, outgoing Arboretum ecologist and research program manager

After seventeen years as the Arboretum ecologist and research program manager, Brad Herrick is stepping down to become the director of the UW–Madison Lakeshore Nature Preserve. Brad has been only the third Arboretum ecologist since 1975, when the role was first created.

“When I started in 2007, I was humbled to follow the groundbreaking scientists and thinkers that came before me. Being entrusted to further the legacy of monitoring, restoration, and research of biodiversity of the world-famous Curtis Prairie and other iconic restorations and remnants was a profound honor. I also wanted to maintain and promote the historical importance of the Arboretum as an innovative site of ecological restoration and a collaborative hub of ideas and conversations that catalyzed the founding of the Society for Ecological Restoration.”

Arboretum research focuses on many areas, including plant community ecology, invasive species biology, prescribed fire studies, plant pollinator interactions, wetland health and stormwater management, and more. Through his own research, Herrick has made valuable contributions to the understanding of Arboretum ecosystems and to advancing the science of restoration ecology and invasion biology. Michael Hansen, Arboretum land care manager, says, “Brad has always been an advocate for land care, participating on the prescribed fire crew, helping with outreach events, revising the long-term management plan, and supporting research that informed our work. I’m especially grateful for his help securing funding for many large restoration projects, including at Teal Pond Wetlands and the Grady Tract, and for the important role he played in addressing the numerous ongoing challenges of stormwater management at the Arboretum.”

At the same time, the Arboretum’s history, and its mission to foster relationships between people and the land, have also informed his understanding of science and place, and he incorporates community engagement into most of his work. While managing the research program, Herrick has facilitated use of the Arboretum as an outdoor lab, increasing the range of academic projects being done. Dozens of UW–Madison undergraduate and graduate classes, across many disciplines, visit the Arboretum for research and teaching. Herrick has also strengthened ties with faculty and students from Edgewood College for restoration ecology research. With Herrick’s leadership, more staff became involved in research activities. He guided a robust and varied citizen science program, championed by former director Karen Oberhauser, who supported program growth with a full-time staff position.

One of Herrick’s major initiatives has been to develop a research program to investigate how jumping worms – a group of non-native invasive earthworms – affect natural and garden ecosystems. Jumping worms were discovered at the Arboretum in 2013 during a routine mustard pour demonstration. Little did he know it would change the course of his and the Arboretum’s research agenda. As a little understood species with potential widespread impact to Wisconsin landscapes, jumping worms drew almost instant public interest.

A man in a bright green coat, holding soil in his hand, kneels in the woods with plastic bins nearby.
Brad Herrick sampling for jumping worms in an Arboretum woodland. (Photo: Danielle Tanzer)

Herrick burrowed into learning everything he could about the worms and their possible ecological effects, and he has dedicated many hours to sharing what he learns through presentations, bioblitzes and surveys, scientific publications, and media interviews. The research has also led to collaborations with scientists and organizations around Wisconsin and the country, and the Arboretum has become a national leader in the study of jumping worm biology and research about ecosystem impacts and control. Herrick serves as the co-director of the Healthy Soil Collaborative, an initiative to raise awareness and funds to research the effects of jumping worms and other invasive species on soil and ecosystem health. He is also pursuing his PhD on the same topic.

Susan Carpenter, Arboretum native plant garden curator, says, “Over the last twenty years, the field of ecological restoration has grown, along with public interest in issues like invasive species, pollinator conservation, and the urban-wildland interface. Brad has led and collaborated in professional groups and developed extensive public outreach to advance understanding, sharing accessible approaches to addressing these issues.”

Working with and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students interested in the environment and conservation is a priority for Herrick. Whatever a student’s career path, engaging them in understanding and protecting natural areas is always rewarding. Herrick also acknowledges the importance of his own mentors and colleagues. He has worked under three former directors during his tenure: Kevin McSweeney, who hired him (in Herrick’s words) “as a relatively green ecologist,” Donna Paulnock (interim), and Karen Oberhauser. He says, “they all entrusted and encouraged me to build and grow the Arboretum research program” as the land and the city around it have changed.

Over the years, Herrick has also learned from and collaborated with Arboretum staff in their own areas of expertise, including land management and prairie restoration, botany, pollinator conservation, birds, and citizen science. Herrick says, “their contributions to our understanding of the land and willingness to share this expertise are phenomenal gifts.”

As he transitions to the role of director at Lakeshore Nature Preserve, Herrick is reminded of the long-entwined history of the two UW–Madison natural areas. He says, “Picnic Point was acquired by the University in 1941, six years after the Arboretum’s dedication. For decades, the Arboretum Committee formally oversaw much of that land for teaching and research. Eventually, Lakeshore Nature Preserve became a separate entity with its own governance structure, but the two natural areas still share strong ties and active collaborations. I am excited to build upon this partnership in new and exciting ways.”

– Susan Day, Arboretum communications manager

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