Meet Tyler McMahon, FIRST PhD Researcher
Tyler McMahon is a first year PhD student in Wildlife and Natural Resources working in partnership with the Fishers Island Conservancy through the FIRST program. His research focuses on long term grassland biodiversity and how management decisions shape insect communities over time.
Before coming to Fishers Island, Tyler studied the effects of bison reintroduction in Illinois tallgrass prairies, where he examined how large grazers influenced moth diversity. His background in insect ecology, especially his interest in moths and butterflies, brings a valuable perspective to the Conservancy’s growing monitoring efforts.
On Fishers Island, Tyler leads field surveys in the managed grasslands at the Parade Grounds and surrounding areas near Elizabeth Field Airport. His work builds on survey data originally collected between 2014 and 2016 and continues with renewed sampling from 2024 through 2026. By comparing these time periods, he is helping evaluate how invasive plant expansion, changing vegetation management, and broader landscape shifts affect arthropod diversity and community composition.
Tyler’s research combines insect sampling, vegetation assessments, and spatial analysis to better understand how native and invasive plant cover influence insect richness and abundance. Because insects form the foundation of grassland food webs, supporting birds, small mammals, and other wildlife, this work plays an important role in shaping long term conservation strategies for the island.
In addition to leading his own research, Tyler mentors undergraduate members of the FIRST Team. Each student develops an independent project connected to the larger monitoring effort, gaining hands on experience in field methods, data analysis, and scientific communication. This collaborative model strengthens both research capacity and long term stewardship on Fishers Island.
The managed grasslands on the island are especially significant, providing habitat near active shorebird nesting areas while balancing recreation and the historic character of the Parade Grounds. Tyler’s goal is to generate science based recommendations that support native biodiversity and guide thoughtful management decisions for years to come.
Tyler will continue working with the Conservancy throughout this multi year project, returning in upcoming field seasons to build on the data collected and deepen our understanding of grassland ecosystems on Fishers Island.