Deer
Miami University Natural Areas (MUNA) encompass about 1,000 acres, forming a treasured green belt around much of the Oxford campus. The Natural Areas were designated by President Paul Pearson in 1992 “to be preserved and protected for approved uses in education, research, recreation, and observation…in perpetuity.” He was “confident 100 years from now [it] will be regarded as one of the most important events to occur in Oxford’s history.” Indeed, the area is used in recruitment, research, and recreation. However, its ecological integrity, biological diversity, and beauty have been degraded and are further threatened by invasive species and overabundant white-tailed deer. While a comprehensive program to improve MUNA’s ecosystem health is planned, the overabundance of deer is an acute and increasing threat to tree and wildflower regeneration and requires a more rapid response.