Urban Plant Research

Plots of different plant assemblages maintained by inmates at MCIW
Plots of different plant assemblages maintained by inmates at MCIW

One of the unique aspects of the MD Green Prisons Initiative is that we have inmates involved in research. This complements the agricultural efforts going on in the prisons. Inmates at the Maryland Correctional Institute for Women (MCIW) have monitored plot-scale studies investigating how different dimensions of biodiversity (functional, phylogenetic) influence community assembly and ecosystem services.  This is a key component of Anna Johnson’s dissertation.

Inmates at the Maryland Transition Center (MTC) have monitored plants traits and a small scale assembly study of plants used to green lots as part of the urban plant restoration project.

Goals of this effort are to:

Inmates at MTC have monitored small scale greenhouse studies of community assembly and trait patterns
Inmates at MTC have monitored small scale greenhouse studies of community assembly and trait patterns
  1. Provide basic knowledge in environmental science
  2. Skill training in data collection and organization
  3. Provide a productive and safe working environment for officers and inmates