A USGS field crew (GLSC; Ann Arbor, Michigan) on an excursion in Metzger Marsh on Lake Erie to monitor invasive Phragmites australis. Photo credit: Kaira Liggett, USGS Contractor.
Kurt P Kowalski, PhD
My work differs from that of many other scientists because, although I am a Research Wetland Ecologist with a research focus on Great Lakes coastal wetland habitats and invasive plant species (e.g., Phragmites australis), I have extensive involvement in the application of research results into practice and policy (e.g., development of novel adaptive management approaches).
Can we find innovative control approaches for Phragmites australis (Common Reed) and other invasive plant species of concern to resource managers?
What is the role of hydrologic connectivity in the rehabilitation and adaptive management of diked and coastal wetland ecosystems in the Laurentian Great Lakes and throughout the nation?
What is the landscape-scale potential for coastal wetland habitat rehabilitation throughout the Great Lakes basin?
These are a few of the research questions that I have been working on during my 27+ years at the Great Lakes Science Center. My master’s work in GIS and remote sensing at Eastern Michigan University and doctoral studies at the University of Michigan provided a solid foundation for extensive work with USFWS refuges (Detroit River, Ottawa, Seney, Shiawassee), Michigan DNR, Ohio DNR, The Nature Conservancy, Ducks Unlimited, and many other partners. I’ve studied the marshes of western Lake Erie and Saginaw Bay (Lake Huron) for many years and continue to work with managers to apply site specific results at national scales. Leadership experiences at the National Conservation Leadership Institute and within USGS have helped me conduct some innovative science and push our research teams in new directions.
Select Research Projects:
Great Lakes Coastal Wetland Restoration Assessment: overview, geonarrative, and mappers (See Web Tools tab below)
Collaborative coastal wetland restoration planning and monitoring for over 1,000 acres (400 hectares) at the USFWS Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge
Implementation of the binational Great Lakes Coastal Wetland Monitoring Program
Professional Experience
Research Ecologist, Coastal Ecosystems Branch, 11/06 – present, U.S.G.S. – Great Lakes Science Center, Ann Arbor, MI
Geographer, Coastal and Wetland Ecology Branch, 3/97 – 11/06, U.S.G.S. – Great Lakes Science Center, Ann Arbor, MI
Biological Science Laboratory Technician (Plants), Coastal and Wetland Ecology Branch, 1/95 – 1/97, U.S.G.S. – Great Lakes Science Center, Ann Arbor, MI
National Conservation Leadership Institute Cohort 7 (2012), NCLI 2.0 (2018), Training (2020), Conference (2021), and Summit (2022)
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. (Aquatic Ecology), University of Michigan
M.S. (Geography with concentration on Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing), Eastern Michigan University
B.S. (Natural Resources Policy and Behavior), University of Michigan, School of Natural Resources and Environment
Professional Wetland Scientist (P.W.S.) Certification, Society of Wetland Scientists, 2001 – Present
Affiliations and Memberships*
President, Restoration Section, Society of Wetland Scientists (SWS), 2022 – Present
Regional Contact, North Central Chapter, Society of Wetland Scientists (SWS), 2012 – Present
President, North Central Chapter, SWS, 2004 – 2007
Member, Society of Wetland Scientists, 1994 – Present
Science and Products
Science pages by this scientist
Long-term Monitoring of Great Lakes Coastal Wetlands and Contributions to the Coastal Wetland Monitoring Program
Restoring Wetland Habitat and Function at the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge
Great Lakes Coastal Wetland Ecology, Restoration, and Decision-Support Tools
Invasive Phragmites Science: Using Cutting-Edge Genetic Approaches to Develop New Management Tools for the Control of Invasive Phragmites
Phragmites Adaptive Management Framework – Active Adaptive Management
Innovative Approaches for Wetland Restoration and Invasive Species Management
Invasive Phragmites Science: Great Lakes Phragmites Collaborative and the Phragmites Adaptive Management Framework
A Decision-Support Tool for Invasive Plant Management Under Fluctuating Great Lakes Water Levels
Effects of Great Lakes water levels on coastal populations of Phragmites australis GeoNarrative
Invasive Phragmites Science: Management Tools for the Control of Invasive Phragmites to Foster the Restoration of the Great Lakes
Invasive Phragmites Science: Great Lakes Phragmites Collaborative
Aquatic Native Species and Habitat Restoration: Great Lakes Coastal Wetland Restoration and Functional Assessment Tools
Data releases by this scientist
Western Lake Erie Restoration Assessment: Dikes
Western Lake Erie Restoration Assessment: Degree Flowlines and Culverts
Western Lake Erie Restoration Assessment: Composite Model
Connecting River Systems Restoration Assessment: Dikes
Connecting River Systems Restoration Assessment: Degree Flowlines
Connecting River Systems Restoration Assessment, Composite Model
Saginaw Bay Restoration Assessment: Degree Flowlines
Saginaw Bay Restoration Assessment, Composite Model
Saginaw Bay Restoration Assessment: Dikes
Field Site Locations from Phragmites Bioherbicide 2023 Field Experiment in Southeast Michigan
Vegetation survey and photointerpretation data for Metzger Marsh, OH, USA (1994-2022)
Root and Shoot Lengths of Rice and Bermuda Grass Seedlings Inoculated with Endophytic Bacteria from Phragmites australis
These data include measurements of root and shoot lengths of Rice (Oryza sativa) and Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) that were inoculated with nine endophytic bacterial isolates. The tabular data represent growth promotion and fungal infection susceptibility information. They also show the infection rate of F. oxysporum on Rice (Oryza sativa), Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) and Annual Bluegrass
Multimedia related to this scientist
A USGS field crew (GLSC; Ann Arbor, Michigan) on an excursion in Metzger Marsh on Lake Erie to monitor invasive Phragmites australis. Photo credit: Kaira Liggett, USGS Contractor.
USGS ecologist (GLSC; Ann Arbor, Michigan) uses GPS gear to map wetland vegetation at Metzger Marsh at the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge on the shore of Lake Erie in Ohio. Photo credit: Kurt Kowalski, USGS.
USGS ecologist (GLSC; Ann Arbor, Michigan) uses GPS gear to map wetland vegetation at Metzger Marsh at the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge on the shore of Lake Erie in Ohio. Photo credit: Kurt Kowalski, USGS.
Characteristic visual differences between control plots receiving water treatment (left) and experimental plots receiving bioherbicide treatment (right). Photo Credit: Spencer Widin, USGS.
Characteristic visual differences between control plots receiving water treatment (left) and experimental plots receiving bioherbicide treatment (right). Photo Credit: Spencer Widin, USGS.
This image taken on 28 September 2022 depicts a test patch of Phragmites australis after treatment with a bioherbicide. Photo Credit: Spencer Widin
This image taken on 28 September 2022 depicts a test patch of Phragmites australis after treatment with a bioherbicide. Photo Credit: Spencer Widin
This image taken on 28 September 2022 depicts a control patch of Phragmites australis after treatment with water. Photo Credit: Spencer Widin
This image taken on 28 September 2022 depicts a control patch of Phragmites australis after treatment with water. Photo Credit: Spencer Widin
Participants at the 2022 Great Lakes Coastal Symposium visited Munuscong Bay coastal wetland on September 20, which is located on the St. Marys River in Michigan's Upper Peninsula to learn about Manoomin replanting efforts, water-level management, and the overall ecology of this valued area. Photo Credit: Kurt Kowalski, USGS.
Participants at the 2022 Great Lakes Coastal Symposium visited Munuscong Bay coastal wetland on September 20, which is located on the St. Marys River in Michigan's Upper Peninsula to learn about Manoomin replanting efforts, water-level management, and the overall ecology of this valued area. Photo Credit: Kurt Kowalski, USGS.
Characteristic impact of bioherbicide on Phragmites leaf tissue. Browning/yellowing of leaf tissues and dark spots formation indicate cellular death and microbial community bloom (i.e., mold), respectively. Photo credit: USGS
Characteristic impact of bioherbicide on Phragmites leaf tissue. Browning/yellowing of leaf tissues and dark spots formation indicate cellular death and microbial community bloom (i.e., mold), respectively. Photo credit: USGS
A Phragmites australis stand at Crane Creek in the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, Ohio. P. australis is an invasive species in North America.
A Phragmites australis stand at Crane Creek in the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, Ohio. P. australis is an invasive species in North America.
Phragmites invades coastal wetland in a changing climate. Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, Oak Harbor, OH. Photo Credit: Kurt Kowalski, USGS-GLSC.
Phragmites invades coastal wetland in a changing climate. Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, Oak Harbor, OH. Photo Credit: Kurt Kowalski, USGS-GLSC.
Experimental set-up of microbial manipulation experiment on Phragmites growth. Photo Credit: USGS.
Experimental set-up of microbial manipulation experiment on Phragmites growth. Photo Credit: USGS.
Phragmites australis on the Shore of Lake St. Clair, 2015
Phragmites australis on the Shore of Lake St. Clair, 2015
Phragmites australis (ssp. australis) is commonly found along roadways. Credit: USGS Great Lakes Science Center.
Phragmites australis (ssp. australis) is commonly found along roadways. Credit: USGS Great Lakes Science Center.
Introduced Phragmites australis, also called the common reed, is an invasive grass in the Great Lakes.
Introduced Phragmites australis, also called the common reed, is an invasive grass in the Great Lakes.
A multiparameter probe collects water quality data for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative-funded coastal wetland restoration work. Photo Credit: USGS.
A multiparameter probe collects water quality data for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative-funded coastal wetland restoration work. Photo Credit: USGS.
Invertebrate sampling in Lake Ontario by Great Lakes Coastal Wetland Monitoring field crew.
Invertebrate sampling in Lake Ontario by Great Lakes Coastal Wetland Monitoring field crew.
Landscape view of a hydrologically restored wetland unit within the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, OH, USA. Photo Credit: Kurt Kowalski, USGS.
Landscape view of a hydrologically restored wetland unit within the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, OH, USA. Photo Credit: Kurt Kowalski, USGS.
A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is seen perched in a tree in the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. Image credit: Michael Eggleston, USGS.
A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is seen perched in a tree in the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. Image credit: Michael Eggleston, USGS.
USGS researchers process a fyke net sample from a restored wetland unit by identifying and enumerating the captured fish species. Photo Credit: USGS
USGS researchers process a fyke net sample from a restored wetland unit by identifying and enumerating the captured fish species. Photo Credit: USGS
A family of Trumpeter Swans sits on the earthen berm enclosing a restored wetland unit at the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. Photo Credit: USGS.
A family of Trumpeter Swans sits on the earthen berm enclosing a restored wetland unit at the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. Photo Credit: USGS.
Constructed water-control structure connecting a managed pool to Crane Creek wetland (Lake Erie). Structure allows critical fish passage between Lake Erie and the previously diked wetland.
Constructed water-control structure connecting a managed pool to Crane Creek wetland (Lake Erie). Structure allows critical fish passage between Lake Erie and the previously diked wetland.
USGS researchers deploy a ponar grab sampler to collect benthic samples from Crane Creek. Photo Credit: USGS
USGS researchers deploy a ponar grab sampler to collect benthic samples from Crane Creek. Photo Credit: USGS
Publications by this scientist
The Metzger marsh restoration: A vegetation-centric look after 27 years
A decision framework for the management of established biological invasions
Optimization and application of non-native Phragmites australis transcriptome assemblies
Estimating phosphorus retention capacity of flow-through wetlands
Genetic analysis of North American Phragmites australis guides management approaches
Turbidity and estimated phosphorus retention in a reconnected Lake Erie coastal wetland
Histochemical evidence for nitrogen‐transfer Endosymbiosis in non‐photosynthetic cells of leaves and inflorescence bracts of angiosperms
Fungal endophyte effects on invasive Phragmites australis performance in field and growth chamber environments
Extent of sedge-grass meadow in a Lake Michigan drowned river mouth wetland dictated by topography and lake level
Novel genome characteristics contribute to the invasiveness of Phragmites australis (common reed)
Endophytic bacteria in grass crop growth promotion and biostimulation
Enhancing Great Lakes coastal ecosystems research by initiating engagement between scientists and decision-makers
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Web tools by this scientist
Great Lakes Coastal Wetland Restoration Assessment Geonarrative
The Great Lakes Coastal Wetland Restoration Assessment (GLCWRA) uses principles of geodesign to identify, assess, and restore areas along the U.S. coast of the Great Lakes that have the most potential to restore coastal wetland habitat. This Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) funded work supports land managers and restoration practitioners from site-specific to landscape scales.
Software by this scientist
Annual Management Unit Summary Code
News about this scientist
Science and Products
Science pages by this scientist
Long-term Monitoring of Great Lakes Coastal Wetlands and Contributions to the Coastal Wetland Monitoring Program
Restoring Wetland Habitat and Function at the Shiawassee National Wildlife Refuge
Great Lakes Coastal Wetland Ecology, Restoration, and Decision-Support Tools
Invasive Phragmites Science: Using Cutting-Edge Genetic Approaches to Develop New Management Tools for the Control of Invasive Phragmites
Phragmites Adaptive Management Framework – Active Adaptive Management
Innovative Approaches for Wetland Restoration and Invasive Species Management
Invasive Phragmites Science: Great Lakes Phragmites Collaborative and the Phragmites Adaptive Management Framework
A Decision-Support Tool for Invasive Plant Management Under Fluctuating Great Lakes Water Levels
Effects of Great Lakes water levels on coastal populations of Phragmites australis GeoNarrative
Invasive Phragmites Science: Management Tools for the Control of Invasive Phragmites to Foster the Restoration of the Great Lakes
Invasive Phragmites Science: Great Lakes Phragmites Collaborative
Aquatic Native Species and Habitat Restoration: Great Lakes Coastal Wetland Restoration and Functional Assessment Tools
Data releases by this scientist
Western Lake Erie Restoration Assessment: Dikes
Western Lake Erie Restoration Assessment: Degree Flowlines and Culverts
Western Lake Erie Restoration Assessment: Composite Model
Connecting River Systems Restoration Assessment: Dikes
Connecting River Systems Restoration Assessment: Degree Flowlines
Connecting River Systems Restoration Assessment, Composite Model
Saginaw Bay Restoration Assessment: Degree Flowlines
Saginaw Bay Restoration Assessment, Composite Model
Saginaw Bay Restoration Assessment: Dikes
Field Site Locations from Phragmites Bioherbicide 2023 Field Experiment in Southeast Michigan
Vegetation survey and photointerpretation data for Metzger Marsh, OH, USA (1994-2022)
Root and Shoot Lengths of Rice and Bermuda Grass Seedlings Inoculated with Endophytic Bacteria from Phragmites australis
These data include measurements of root and shoot lengths of Rice (Oryza sativa) and Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) that were inoculated with nine endophytic bacterial isolates. The tabular data represent growth promotion and fungal infection susceptibility information. They also show the infection rate of F. oxysporum on Rice (Oryza sativa), Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) and Annual Bluegrass
Multimedia related to this scientist
A USGS field crew (GLSC; Ann Arbor, Michigan) on an excursion in Metzger Marsh on Lake Erie to monitor invasive Phragmites australis. Photo credit: Kaira Liggett, USGS Contractor.
A USGS field crew (GLSC; Ann Arbor, Michigan) on an excursion in Metzger Marsh on Lake Erie to monitor invasive Phragmites australis. Photo credit: Kaira Liggett, USGS Contractor.
USGS ecologist (GLSC; Ann Arbor, Michigan) uses GPS gear to map wetland vegetation at Metzger Marsh at the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge on the shore of Lake Erie in Ohio. Photo credit: Kurt Kowalski, USGS.
USGS ecologist (GLSC; Ann Arbor, Michigan) uses GPS gear to map wetland vegetation at Metzger Marsh at the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge on the shore of Lake Erie in Ohio. Photo credit: Kurt Kowalski, USGS.
Characteristic visual differences between control plots receiving water treatment (left) and experimental plots receiving bioherbicide treatment (right). Photo Credit: Spencer Widin, USGS.
Characteristic visual differences between control plots receiving water treatment (left) and experimental plots receiving bioherbicide treatment (right). Photo Credit: Spencer Widin, USGS.
This image taken on 28 September 2022 depicts a test patch of Phragmites australis after treatment with a bioherbicide. Photo Credit: Spencer Widin
This image taken on 28 September 2022 depicts a test patch of Phragmites australis after treatment with a bioherbicide. Photo Credit: Spencer Widin
This image taken on 28 September 2022 depicts a control patch of Phragmites australis after treatment with water. Photo Credit: Spencer Widin
This image taken on 28 September 2022 depicts a control patch of Phragmites australis after treatment with water. Photo Credit: Spencer Widin
Participants at the 2022 Great Lakes Coastal Symposium visited Munuscong Bay coastal wetland on September 20, which is located on the St. Marys River in Michigan's Upper Peninsula to learn about Manoomin replanting efforts, water-level management, and the overall ecology of this valued area. Photo Credit: Kurt Kowalski, USGS.
Participants at the 2022 Great Lakes Coastal Symposium visited Munuscong Bay coastal wetland on September 20, which is located on the St. Marys River in Michigan's Upper Peninsula to learn about Manoomin replanting efforts, water-level management, and the overall ecology of this valued area. Photo Credit: Kurt Kowalski, USGS.
Characteristic impact of bioherbicide on Phragmites leaf tissue. Browning/yellowing of leaf tissues and dark spots formation indicate cellular death and microbial community bloom (i.e., mold), respectively. Photo credit: USGS
Characteristic impact of bioherbicide on Phragmites leaf tissue. Browning/yellowing of leaf tissues and dark spots formation indicate cellular death and microbial community bloom (i.e., mold), respectively. Photo credit: USGS
A Phragmites australis stand at Crane Creek in the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, Ohio. P. australis is an invasive species in North America.
A Phragmites australis stand at Crane Creek in the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, Ohio. P. australis is an invasive species in North America.
Phragmites invades coastal wetland in a changing climate. Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, Oak Harbor, OH. Photo Credit: Kurt Kowalski, USGS-GLSC.
Phragmites invades coastal wetland in a changing climate. Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, Oak Harbor, OH. Photo Credit: Kurt Kowalski, USGS-GLSC.
Experimental set-up of microbial manipulation experiment on Phragmites growth. Photo Credit: USGS.
Experimental set-up of microbial manipulation experiment on Phragmites growth. Photo Credit: USGS.
Phragmites australis on the Shore of Lake St. Clair, 2015
Phragmites australis on the Shore of Lake St. Clair, 2015
Phragmites australis (ssp. australis) is commonly found along roadways. Credit: USGS Great Lakes Science Center.
Phragmites australis (ssp. australis) is commonly found along roadways. Credit: USGS Great Lakes Science Center.
Introduced Phragmites australis, also called the common reed, is an invasive grass in the Great Lakes.
Introduced Phragmites australis, also called the common reed, is an invasive grass in the Great Lakes.
A multiparameter probe collects water quality data for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative-funded coastal wetland restoration work. Photo Credit: USGS.
A multiparameter probe collects water quality data for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative-funded coastal wetland restoration work. Photo Credit: USGS.
Invertebrate sampling in Lake Ontario by Great Lakes Coastal Wetland Monitoring field crew.
Invertebrate sampling in Lake Ontario by Great Lakes Coastal Wetland Monitoring field crew.
Landscape view of a hydrologically restored wetland unit within the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, OH, USA. Photo Credit: Kurt Kowalski, USGS.
Landscape view of a hydrologically restored wetland unit within the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, OH, USA. Photo Credit: Kurt Kowalski, USGS.
A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is seen perched in a tree in the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. Image credit: Michael Eggleston, USGS.
A bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is seen perched in a tree in the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. Image credit: Michael Eggleston, USGS.
USGS researchers process a fyke net sample from a restored wetland unit by identifying and enumerating the captured fish species. Photo Credit: USGS
USGS researchers process a fyke net sample from a restored wetland unit by identifying and enumerating the captured fish species. Photo Credit: USGS
A family of Trumpeter Swans sits on the earthen berm enclosing a restored wetland unit at the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. Photo Credit: USGS.
A family of Trumpeter Swans sits on the earthen berm enclosing a restored wetland unit at the Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge. Photo Credit: USGS.
Constructed water-control structure connecting a managed pool to Crane Creek wetland (Lake Erie). Structure allows critical fish passage between Lake Erie and the previously diked wetland.
Constructed water-control structure connecting a managed pool to Crane Creek wetland (Lake Erie). Structure allows critical fish passage between Lake Erie and the previously diked wetland.
USGS researchers deploy a ponar grab sampler to collect benthic samples from Crane Creek. Photo Credit: USGS
USGS researchers deploy a ponar grab sampler to collect benthic samples from Crane Creek. Photo Credit: USGS
Publications by this scientist
The Metzger marsh restoration: A vegetation-centric look after 27 years
A decision framework for the management of established biological invasions
Optimization and application of non-native Phragmites australis transcriptome assemblies
Estimating phosphorus retention capacity of flow-through wetlands
Genetic analysis of North American Phragmites australis guides management approaches
Turbidity and estimated phosphorus retention in a reconnected Lake Erie coastal wetland
Histochemical evidence for nitrogen‐transfer Endosymbiosis in non‐photosynthetic cells of leaves and inflorescence bracts of angiosperms
Fungal endophyte effects on invasive Phragmites australis performance in field and growth chamber environments
Extent of sedge-grass meadow in a Lake Michigan drowned river mouth wetland dictated by topography and lake level
Novel genome characteristics contribute to the invasiveness of Phragmites australis (common reed)
Endophytic bacteria in grass crop growth promotion and biostimulation
Enhancing Great Lakes coastal ecosystems research by initiating engagement between scientists and decision-makers
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Web tools by this scientist
Great Lakes Coastal Wetland Restoration Assessment Geonarrative
The Great Lakes Coastal Wetland Restoration Assessment (GLCWRA) uses principles of geodesign to identify, assess, and restore areas along the U.S. coast of the Great Lakes that have the most potential to restore coastal wetland habitat. This Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI) funded work supports land managers and restoration practitioners from site-specific to landscape scales.
Software by this scientist
Annual Management Unit Summary Code
News about this scientist
*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government