Real research focuses on questions of interest and makes discoveries that are shared with others to build our understanding of Michigan dunes—piece by piece.

Each FYRES research project begins with curiosity and an interesting question, often from a dune manager or a previous study. Focused attention from a FYRES research mentor and a team of first-year students produces data and analysis. Every team discovers some new knowledge—big or small, planned or unexpected—and the discoveries are helping to build a more complete understanding of Michigan dunes and their activity.

Research results are shared with dune managers, scientists and anyone else who is interested through presentations and reports. Whether you are searching for information on a particular topic, generally interested in learning more about the dunes or curious about the type of research that you could do as a FYRES student, you are invited to view the results posted below or join us for our next set of presentations.

Curious about the FYRES research process?  Learn more:

  • Click on the drop down below to see all of our research results.
  • What's happening now? FYRES is a semester-long course for students, but the research process is year long for our mentors.
Quick Facts

FYRES Research Results

2023–2024

Project Topic Team Members Research Outcomes
Functional habitats for a rare thistle at natural and artificial dunes Gustafson, Abigail (Mentor)
Leah Elliott, Abigail Kuiper, Carl Martin
Deer herbivory on an endemic dune thistle Kelley, William (Mentor)
Anna Hudson, SeoHae Jung, Rocio Martinez-Roman
How sand movement affects efforts for beach accessibility Lindemulder, Zachary (Mentor)
TJ French, Clara Gruessing, Victoria Nation, Jonny Rogers
Impacts of beach vegetation on shadow dune formation Tate, Lucy (Mentor)
Collin Afman, Sarah Awokuse, Luke Coffel, Matea Deters

2022–2023

Project Topic Team Members Research Outcomes
Investigating sand ramps in a Lake Michigan beach-dune system Atma, Luke (Mentor)
Jake McClure, Austin McRae, RyAnn Rohrer		 Conference Abstract
Wrack and its effect on Lake Michigan beach surfaces Eising, Josiah (Mentor)
Daniel Andringa, Zach Guikema, Titus Holleman, Joel E. VanHekken		 Conference Abstract
The optimal biogeomorphic environment for a rare dune thistle Gustafson, Abigail (Mentor)
Abby Dykstra, Brandon Price, Yang Yang, Monica Zhang		 Conference Abstract
The effectiveness of sand fences on west Michigan beaches Kramp, Jessica (Mentor)
Asa Deeren, Ruth Diepstra, Zachary D. Lindemulder, Amanda Paintin, Ashley Vredevoogd		 Conference Abstract
Early foredune indicators during falling Lake Michigan levels Prom, Grace (Mentor)
David Anderson, Sam Greene, Jordan Fridsma, Seth Hoeksema, Cherith Pickett		 Conference Abstract

2021–2022

Project Topic Team Members Research Outcomes
Investigating incipient foredune formation along the Lake Michigan coast Arendt, Addison (Mentor)
Nathan Disher, Cody Husted, Avery Lewis, Seth Reif
A preliminary study of sand ramps on the Lake Michigan coast Benedict, Katie (Mentor)
Grace Buller, Naomi DeVries, Branden Husted
Dune slope stabilization after a period of severe erosion Eising, Josiah (Mentor)
Cassie Demlow, Abby Marie Gustafson, Amira Ribbens
Effects of erosion and deposition on a rare dune thistle Hageman, Isaiah (Mentor)
Jacob Fetter, Young Sung Lee, Levi Libolt, Thomas Smith
Comparing an artificial blowout to three natural blowouts Millen, Noah (Mentor)
Anneka Bos, Kathryn Gardner, Levi Huizenga, Sam Skillen
Comparing dune characteristics and deer populations at three west Michigan dunes Prom, Grace (Mentor)
Charlie Baumeister, Graden DeWeerd, Lucy Gordon, Karissa Kuperus

2020–2021

Project Topic Team Members Research Outcomes
Dune surface change on Perseverance Dune Duimstra, Peter (Mentor)
Michael MacGillivray, Derek McClure, Hailey Postma, Emma Tuit		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; Conference Poster
A cumulative look at Michigan dune management Herlinger, Jillian (Mentor)
Noah Millen, Aubrey Rudy, Julia Machiela, Ethan Tulp		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; Conference Poster
Evaluating new plantings’ effectiveness for management on dunes where human disturbance continues Prom, Grace (Mentor)
Lauren Grantham, Isaac Jeong, John Kelly, Lynda Steen		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract
The effects of autumn storms on an artificial dune Schotanus, Claire (Mentor)
Lillian Cooper, Nathanael Kastner, Sadie Norman, and Henry Schenkel		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; Conference Poster
Perseverance Dune: Characteristics and comparison with Lake Michigan dunes Vredevoogd, Natalie (Mentor)
Ben Adamson, Johnathan Cooper, Delaney Sall, Will Weiss		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; Conference Poster

2019–2020

Project Topic Team Members Research Outcomes
Dunes in coastal sediment budget  Benedict, Katie (Mentor)
Addison Arendt, Paige Brodeur, Josiah Eising, Jack Hiegel, Madeleine Snella		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract
Effects of sand fences on two west Michigan dunes  Duimstra, Peter (Mentor)
Caleb Betten, Andrew Hill, Onyinyechi Iheme, Grace Prom, Josh Newhouse		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract
The effects of sand fences on threatened and generalist species on Lake Michigan coastal dunes  Faulkner, Janay (Mentor)
Katelyn DeYoung, Will Hofmann, Taylor Smelker, Rine Wakeman 		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract
Spatial distribution of Pitcher’s thistle on a Rosy Mound Natural Area blowout  Hilbrands, Nathan (Mentor)
Afua Brantuo, Sam Fynewever, Isaiah Hageman, Ben Kielar, Robin Kollar 		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract
Dune advance and vegetation on an active blowout  Lee, Allison (Mentor)
Clare Doss, Isabel Latvaitis, Katie Scholma, Ike Start		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; Conference Poster

2018–2019

Project Topic Team Members Research Outcomes
Considering management for a blowout in Kitchel-Lindquist-Hartger Dunes Duimstra, Peter (Mentor)
Christopher Anderson, Katherine Benedict, Haleigh Bos, Kees VanDerAa, Lesley Vargas, April Volzer		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; Conference Poster; FYRES Report Abstract; FYRES Report
Investigating a natural blowout: The beginning of a comparison study in Kitchel-Lindquist-Hartger Dunes Leisman, Hans (Mentor)
Rachel Commons, Noah DenBleyker, Joshua DeVries, Jacob Mulder, Kyra Schofield, Abigail Voskuil		 CEAP Poster; FYRES Report Abstract; FYRES Report
Can Cirsium pitcheri patterns be used to assess blowout activity? McClellan, Jennifer (Mentor)
Asher Amundson, Keagan DeVries, Chynna Pomales-Stohr, Garrett Rhoads		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; FYRES Report Abstract; FYRES Report
Distribution of eastern hemlocks and woolly adelgid infestation on a Michigan coastal dune system Schumerth, Noah (Mentor)
Kelly Adamovicz, Simon Detmer, David Martinez-Vasquez, Jessie VandeKieft, Madelyn Vander Veen, Catherine Worthington		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; FYRES Report Abstract; FYRES Report

2017–2018

Project Topic Team Members Research Outcomes
Investigation of sediment cells in a Michigan dune system Dillon, Jesse (Mentor)
Robin Gelderloos, Kathryn Mollison, Kaitlyn Westra		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; Conference Poster
Evidence of topographic steering in a small saucer blowout on Lake Michigan Jacques, Issac (Mentor)
Peter Duimstra, Nathan Hilbrands, Rachel Hubka, Allison Lee		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; Conference Poster; FYRES Report Abstract; FYRES Report
Measurement of alongshore dune sediment budgets and movement Madrid, Maia (Mentor)
James Byker, Claire Costello, Gabriela Lantinga		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; FYRES Report Abstract; FYRES Report
Impacts of white-tail deer on a Lake Michigan parabolic dune system McClellan, Jennifer (Mentor)
Camilla Bjelland, Aidan Casillas, Samuel Jacobs, Alyssa Topping, Klein VerHill		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; Conference Poster; FYRES Report Abstract; FYRES Report
Effect of pathogens on a wooded dune environment Wierenga, Matt (Mentor)
Margarete Brady, Christopher Lantinga, Mitchell Niesar, Samuel Van Berkel		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; Conference Poster
Humans alter the sediment budget for beach-dune environments in West Michigan Wong, Kei-Wing (Mentor)
Andrew Crago, Caroline Komodore, Ty Nguyen		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; Conference Poster

2016–2017

Project Topic Team Members Research Outcomes
Evaluation of planted vegetation on North Beach dune Jacques, Issac (Mentor)
McKinley Anderson, Amy Bristol, Janay Faulkner, Joshua Polanski		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; Conference Poster; FYRES Report Abstract; FYRES Report
Oak wilt and dune stability in North Ottawa Dunes King, Rebecca (Mentor)
Edward Lambert, Benjamin Steenwyk, Jaimie Van De Burg, Jonathan Walt, Elizabeth Wiley		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; FYRES Report Abstract; FYRES Report
Dune advance and slipface characteristics of Mt. Baldy in Hoffmaster State Park Lindemulder, Carolyn (Mentor)
Jamie Atkinson, Araceli Eikenberry, Liam Ferraby, Taylor Grasman, Taylor Hartman, Erick Westphal		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; FYRES Report Abstract; FYRES Report
Boardwalk's effects on a dune in Hoffmaster State Park Paquette, Alissa (Mentor)
Shira Davis, Mallory Hoatlin, Hannah Spaulding, Camille VanderVeen		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; Conference Poster; FYRES Report Abstract; FYRES Report
The influence of wrack on a foredune in Hoffmaster State Park Praamsma, Stephanie (Mentor)
Olivia den Dulk, Kyle Post, Hudson Siegers, Ben VanderWindt		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; FYRES Report Abstract; FYRES Report
Distribution of oak trees in North Ottawa Dunes Wierenga, Matt (Mentor)
Caleb Boraby, Cameron Doan, Tanner Huizenga, Hunter Pham		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; FYRES Report Abstract; FYRES Report

2015–2016

Project Topic Team Members Research Outcomes
Sand fences on dunes in Ottawa County Parks Etienne, Kaitlyn (Mentor)
Alejandra Crevier, Jack Davis, Stephanie Praamsma, Adrienne Tauscheck		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; Conference Poster; FYRES Report Abstract; FYRES Report
Assessment of a restored C. pitcheri population in Hoffmaster State Park Gerber, Katy (Mentor)
Christina Bohnet, Lauren Ebels, Madison Springer		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; Conference Poster; FYRES Report Abstract; FYRES Report
Interactions between blowouts in Hoffmaster State Park Grevengoed, Lincoln (Mentor)
Sarah DeGraaf, Hans Leisman, Megan McNamara, Sam Sukaria		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; Conference Poster; FYRES Report Abstract; FYRES Report
Habitat influences on C. pitcheri at Rosy Mound Natural Area Messina, Michael (Mentor)
Nathaniel Bos, Ellis Chalfant, DeAnna Clum, Carolyn Lindemulder		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; FYRES Report Abstract; FYRES Report
Variables affecting C. pitcheri on Mt. Baldy in Hoffmaster State Park Reynolds, Charlotte (Mentor)
Rachel Conover, Megumu Jansen, Nathan Mulder		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; Conference Poster; FYRES Report Abstract; FYRES Report
Physical accessibility and scenic experience on Ottawa County dunes Williams, Matthew (Mentor)
Anna Clousing, Samuel Latimer, Jennifer McClellan, Andrew Van De Walker		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; Conference Poster; FYRES Report Abstract; FYRES Report

2014–2015

Project Topic Team Members Research Outcomes
Efficacy of Planted Vegetation and a Sand Fence at Castle Park Dune Preserve Gerber, Katy (Mentor)
Melanie Compagner, Rachel DeHaan, Jessica Petrie, Jen-Lyn Sin		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; FYRES Report Abstract; FYRES Report
The impact of deer on unmanaged trails in North Ottawa Dunes County Park Hilbrands, Brian (Mentor)
Jesse Damsteegt, Brian Hess, Madeline Hughey, Jake McCusker, Jacob Van Wyk		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; FYRES Report Abstract; FYRES Report
Natural and anthropogenic impacts of Cirsium pitcheri at Rosy Mound Natural Area Hughey, Audrey (Mentor)
Jesse Dillon, Chace Scholten, Chloe Selles, Philip Simonton, Arie Venema		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; Conference Poster
Boardwalk interactions with a Lake Michigan dune system LePage, Gabe (Mentor)
Bastian Bouman, Benjamin Johnson, Ryan Kiper, Madison Smith		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; FYRES Report Abstract; FYRES Report
Characteristics of a natural vegetation population on Lake Michigan foredunes Strydhorst, Natasha (Mentor)
Samuel Franklin, Lemuel Ong, Aaron Pemberton		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; Conference Poster; FYRES Report Abstract; FYRES Report
Long-term effects of planted Ammophila breviligulata on North Beach dune Swineford, Jacob (Mentor)
Issac Jacques, Manny Schrotenboer, Matt Wierenga, Grant Hoekwater		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; Conference Poster; FYRES Report Abstract; FYRES Report

2013–2014

Project Topic Team Members Research Outcomes
Blowouts and unmanaged trails in Hoffmaster State Park, Michigan Burkley, Katie (Mentor)
Abigail Hocking, Barak Howell, Eric Medema, Joel Newswanger, Cal Thorne, Angela Tiemeyer		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; Conference Poster; FYRES Report Abstract; FYRES Report
Investigating the relationship between deer and trails on coastal sand dunes Liu, Chengbi (Mentor)
Lincoln Grevengoed, Matthew Haugh, Megan Koopman, Isla Peterson, Logan Walters		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; Conference Poster; FYRES Report Abstract; FYRES Report
Dune environment influences on a rare Great Lakes thistle Strydhorst, Natasha (Mentor)
Carolina Angulo, Anna Camilleri, Ethan DeVries, Anna Selles		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; Conference Poster; FYRES Report Abstract; FYRES Report
Impacts of three autumn storms on a Lake Michigan foredune Swineford, Jacob (Mentor)
Nichole DeVries, Joshua DeVries, Jonathan Gorter, John Spykman, Jacob Santucci		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; Conference Poster; FYRES Report Abstract; FYRES Report

2012–2013

Project Topic Team Members Research Outcomes
Evaluating the effectiveness of management techniques at Mt. Pisgah Arevalo, Joseph (Mentor)
Taylor Emmons, Sarah Harefa, Ashley Van Wyk, Jacob Zondag		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; FYRES Report Abstract; FYRES Report
Efficacy of sand fences in stabilizing a steep active dune blowout Bleeker, Tyler (Mentor)
Cassandra Miceli, Josh Nieuwsma, Eleighna Prather		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; FYRES Report Abstract; FYRES Report
The effects of two fall storms on a Lake Michigan foredune Brinks, Linden (Mentor)
Kathryn Gerber, Jen-Li Sin, Jacob Swineford, Alek Zapata		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; FYRES Report Abstract; FYRES Report
Sand transport and vegetation on two Lake Michigan coastal blowouts Karsten, James (Mentor)
Gabriel LePage, Michael Messina, Daniel Shisler, Jory Smith		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; FYRES Report Abstract; FYRES Report
Interactions between dune trails and Cirsium Pitcheri habitat Musch, Steven (Mentor)
Elaine Hilverda, Evan Legge, Natasha Strydhorst, Lucas VanderBilt		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; FYRES Report Abstract; FYRES Report
Unmanaged trails and management on a Great Lakes dune Parkin, Ann (Mentor)
Alexander Kurtz, Krystal Perry, Veronika Schultz, Matthew Williams		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract

2011–2012

Project Topic Team Members Research Outcomes
Interactions between topography and Oriental Bittersweet at Castle Park Dune, Michigan Maike, Chris and Whalley, Kyle (Mentors)
Gideon Berghuis, Luke Cousino, John Elenbaas, James Karsten, Jessica Trojanowski		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; FYRES Report Abstract; FYRES Report
Analysis of dune management efforts at North Beach Park dune, Michigan Parkin, Ann (Mentor)
Catherine Hilbrands, Joanne Hulst, Elizabeth Stranzenbach, Sam Vannette		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; FYRES Report Abstract; FYRES Report
Interactions between blowouts and trails in a Lake Michigan coastal system Stratz, Jared (Mentor)
Rian Bylsma, Sydney Carrick, Hannah Damsteegt, Timothy Nykamp		 CEAP Poster; Conference Abstract; Conference Poster; FYRES Report Abstract; FYRES Report



Complete citation information is available in the Bibliography of FYRES Research Reports.  Recent reports are listed first.

# Author-Year Title Available PDFs

36

 Schumerth et al. (2019) Distribution of Eastern Hemlocks and Woolly Adelgid Infestation on a Michigan Coastal Dune Report Abstract; Full Report
35 Duimstra et al. (2019) Considering Management for a Blowout in Kitchel-Lindquist-Hartgers Dunes Preserve Report Abstract; Full Report
34 Leisman et al. (2019) Investigating a Natural Blowout: The Beginning of a Comparison Study Report Abstract; Full Report
33 McClellan et al. (2019) Can Cirsium Pitcheri Patterns Be Used to Assess Blowout Activity? Report Abstract; Full Report
32 Madrid et al. (2018) Measurement of Alongshore Dune Sediment Budgets and Movement Report Abstract; Full Report
31 McClellan et al. (2018) Impacts of White-Tailed Deer on a Lake Michigan Parabolic Dune System Report Abstract; Full Report
29 Praamsma et al. (2017) Wrack's Influence on the Foredunes of Lake Michigan Report Abstract; Full Report
28 Wierenga et al. (2017) Distribution of Oak Trees on North Ottawa Dunes Report Abstract; Full Report
27 Paquette et al. (2017) Investigating a Boardwalk's Effect on a Lake Michigan Coastal Dune Report Abstract; Full Report
26 King et al. (2017) Oak Wilt and Dune Stability in North Ottawa Dunes Report Abstract; Full Report
25 Jacques et al. (2017) Evaluation of Stability and Restoration of a Michigan Coastal Dune Report Abstract; Full Report
24 Lindemulder et al. (2017) Characteristics of a Partially-Vegetated Slipface as Indicators of Dune Advance Report Abstract; Full Report
23 Williams et al. (2016) The Relationship between Physical Accessibility and Scenic Experiences on West Michigan Coastal Dunes Report Abstract; Full Report
22 Grevengoed et al. (2016) Interactions Between Sequential Blowouts, Their Features, and Sand Transport Report Abstract; Full Report
21 Messina et al. (2016) Dune Habitat Influences Threatened Thistle: Cirsium Pitcheri at Rosy Mound Natural Area Report Abstract; Full Report
20 Etienne et al. (2016) Evaluating Sand Fence Placement, Purpose, and Efficacy on West Michigan Dunes Report Abstract; Full Report
19 Gerber et al. (2016) Environmental Assessment of a Cirsium pitcheri Restored Population on the Coast of Lake Michigan Report Abstract; Full Report
18 Reynolds et al. (2016) Investigation of Variables Affecting a Rare Plant Species, Cirsium pitcheri, on Mt. Baldy in P.J. Hoffmaster State Park Report Abstract; Full Report
17 LePage et al. (2015) Boardwalk Interactions with a Lake Michigan Dune System Report Abstract; Full Report
16 Swineford et al. (2015) Long-term Effects of Planted Ammophila breviligulata on North Beach Dune Report Abstract; Full Report
15 Gerber et al. (2015) Efficacy of Planted Vegetation and a Sand Fence at Castle Park Dune Preserve Report Abstract; Full Report
14 Hilbrands et al. (2015) The Impact of Deer on Unmanaged Trails in North Ottawa Dunes County Park Report Abstract; Full Report
13 Strydhorst et al. (2015) Characteristics of a Natural Vegetation Population on a Lake Michigan Foredune Report Abstract; Full Report
12 Liu et al. (2014) An Investigation of the Relationship between Deer and Trails in North Ottawa Dunes Report Abstract; Full Report
11 Burkley et al. (2014) Blowouts and Unmanaged Trails in Hoffmaster State Park, Michigan Report Abstract; Full Report
10 Swineford et al. (2014) The Impacts of Three Autumn Storms on a Lake Michigan Foredune Report Abstract; Full Report
9 Strydhorst et al. (2014) Dune Environment Influences on a Rare Great Lakes Thistle: An Investigation in Ottawa County Parks’ Rosy Mound Natural Area Report Abstract; Full Report
8 Karsten et al. (2013) Sand Transport and Vegetation on Two Lake Michigan Blowouts in Ottawa County, Michigan Report Abstract; Full Report
7 Brinks et al.(2013) The Effects of Two Fall Storms on a Lake Michigan Foredune Report Abstract; Full Report
6 Arevalo et al.(2013) Effectiveness of Management Techniques Employed at Mt. Pisgah Report Abstract; Full Report
5 Musch et al.(2013) Interactions Between Dune Trails and Cirsium Pitcheri Habitat Report Abstract; Full Report
4 Bleeker et al.(2013) Efficacy of Sand Fences in Stabilizing a Steep Active Dune Blowout, Castle Park Reserve, Michigan Report Abstract; Full Report
3 Whalley et al.(2012) Interactions Between Dune Activity and Oriental Bittersweet on Castle Park Dune, Michigan Report Abstract; Full Report
2 Parkin et al.(2012) Analysis of Management Efforts at North Beach Park Dune, Michigan Report Abstract; Full Report
1 Stratz et al.(2012) Interactions Between Blowouts and Trails in a Lake Michigan Coastal System Report Abstract; Full Report

The following bibliographies of FYRES Research Results are available as pdfs:

The following bibliographies of coastal dune research (FYRES plus other) are available as pdfs: