Ecological succession on a natural area in northeastern Kansas from 1948-2006

.—Long-term ecological studies provide important information applicable to the conservation, management andrestoration of native ecosystems. These studies allow us to observe changes in habitat and the correlated changes inassociated amphibian and reptile communities. Research over the last 58 years at the Fitch Natural History Reservation hasindicated biotic responses that would likely have been imperceptible over the short-term. New investigators are encouragedto conduct long-term studies and institutions must devise ways to foster these activities.