Biography
Dr. Van Dragt is an ecologist with interests in ecosystem management and restoration. He has designed and supervised construction of several nature preserves and for more than twenty years has directed the Calvin University Ecosystem Preserve, a 100-acre woodland and wetland preserve on the Calvin campus. For nearly two decades, he has also taught restoration ecology at the Au Sable Institute of Environmental Studies, located in Mancelona, MI. Dr. Van Dragt retired from teaching in the Biology Department at Calvin University in 2018. He is currently directing the restoration of a native prairie in Central Whidbey Island, Washington.
Education
- BS in Biology, Calvin College, 1969
- MS in Wildlife Science, Cornell University, 1971
- PhD, University of Rhode Island, 1985
Academic Interests
Research and Professional Interests
Dr. Van Dragt's research topics are Pacific lowland prairie restoration, plant succession on abandoned oil well sites in northern Michigan, and forest succession of the Calvin University Ecosystem Preserve. Past research projects received funding and support through the Au Sable Institute, The Nature Conservancy, and Calvin University.
Research
- Land Management of Calvin's Ecosystem Preserve
- Restoration of Coastal Outwash Prairie on Whidbey Island, Washington
- Management of the Bear Creek Watershed
- Multi-year study of the biotic communities and prairie ecosystem at Calvin's Flat Iron Lake Nature Preserve.
Research and Scholarship
