Visiting Scientist
Wes Bickford is a Biologist at the USGS Great Lakes Science Center (GLSC) based in Ann Arbor, MI. Wes has been with USGS for 10 years, beginning in the Pathways program while completing his PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Michigan.
Wes’ research focuses on wetland ecology, wetland restoration, invasive species management, and plant-microbial interactions. He has worked with federal, state, and tribal partners in the Great Lakes region to test new management strategies for invasive species, improve restoration strategies of native plants, and develop tools to support decision making in a changing climate.
Prior to joining the GLSC, Wes was a NOAA Coastal Management Fellow contributing to a vulnerability assessment of infrastructure and coastal wetlands to coastal hazards in New Jersey. Wes’ love of wetlands began during his M.S. thesis work at the University of Maryland studying plant community responses to prescribed fire at USFWS Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. His project was part of a long-term study examining the impacts of prescribed fire management on coastal marsh accretion and ability to keep up with sea-level rise.
Wes is excited to join the MW CASC team as a visiting scientist where his project will be focused on assessing the efficacy of past coastal wetland restoration investments in the Great Lakes region.