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Michael Kost
Lecturer
Ecosystem Science and Management
Conservation + Restoration
About
Mike serves as Associate Curator at Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, where he focuses on ecological restoration, rare species conservation, and landscaping with native plants. Formerly he served as Lead Ecologist and Senior Conservation Scientist for Michigan Natural Features Inventory at Michigan State University, where he oversaw biological inventories, conducted research on natural communities and rare species, and provided guidance to natural resource agencies on biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration. Through his teaching, curation, and research, he seeks to convey information helpful for advancing biodiversity conservation. His research interests include conservation planning, ecological restoration, fire ecology, oak regeneration, and rare species.
Publications
Cohen, J.C., M.A. Kost, B.S. Slaughter, and D.A. Albert. 2015. A Field Guide to the Natural Communities of Michigan. Michigan State University Press, East Lansing, MI. 362 pp.
Lee, Y., M. A. Kost, J. G. Cohen, and E. H. Schools. 2012. Climate Change Vulnerability Assessment and Adaptation Strategies for Natural Communities in Michigan, Focusing on the Coastal Zone. Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Report Number 2012-18, Lansing, MI. 185 pp.
Monfils, M. J., M. A. Kost, C. R. Weber, M. L. Donovan, and P. W. Brown. 2011. Characteristics of Coarse Woody Debris in Northern Michigan Forests. Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Lansing, MI. 29 pp.
Kost, M.A. and D.A. Hyde. 2009. Exploring the Prairie Fen Wetlands of Michigan. Michigan State University Extension, Bulletin E-3045, East Lansing, MI. 106 pp.
O’Connor, R.P., M.A. Kost, and J.G. Cohen. 2009. Prairies and Savannas in Michigan: Rediscovering Our Natural Heritage. Michigan State University Press, East Lansing, MI. 152 pp.
Kost, M.A., D.A. Albert, J.G. Cohen, B.S. Slaughter, R.K. Schillo, C.R. Weber, and K.A. Chapman. 2007. Natural Communities of Michigan: Classification and Description. Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Lansing, MI. 314 pp.
Lee, J.G., and M.A. Kost. 2008. Systematic Evaluation of Oak Regeneration in Lower Michigan. Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Lansing, MI. 127 pp. + appendices.
Kost, M.A. 2003. An Evaluation of Candidate and Potential Candidate Research Natural Areas on the Huron-Manistee National Forest with a Focus on Ecosystem Representation. Michigan Natural Features Inventory, Lansing, MI. 138 pp.
Kost, M.A. and D. De Steven. 2000. Plant Community Responses to Prescribed Burning in Wisconsin Sedge Meadows. Natural Areas Journal 20:36-45.
Education
MS, Biological Sciences, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
BS, Public and Environmental Administration, University of Wisconsin-Green Bay