This Project Grant award from the National Science Foundation (CFDA 47.074 - Biological Sciences) to Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University will fund a $552,945 research project titled "CAREER: COMMUNITY REASSEMBLY IN RESTORED TROPICAL FORESTS" over the period of June 1, 2024 to May 31, 2029. The project will use an experimental forest restoration landscape to investigate how the functional traits, diversity, and spatial structure of early-establishing vegetation influence the assembly of local fruit-frugivore networks and seed dispersal processes that drive tree establishment. The research will also evaluate a novel DNA metabarcoding approach for studying tree species composition from seed rain collections. This award aims to advance scientific understanding of effective restoration methods for tropical forests, which are critical for biodiversity and providing natural resources to local communities. No subawards are planned under this grant.
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