Lab 1:
In our first lab to NBSP, we were introduced to the area and established our one-hectare study plot. We found the general area of our hectare by pacing away from the trail from a location and in a direction given to our group. The area was marked by a ribbon on a tree.
Our first objective was to scout the area and mark the corners of a hectare that would encompass the maximum ecological gradient in the area to be studied. We chose to include the rock ledges at the north and the sloping topography to the south. Our hectare was then measured and marked by pacing 100 meters following a compass bearing at 90 degree differences to form the sides of a square. Each corner was denoted with a flag and a waypoint was taken using a GPS unit.
Lab 2:
We came the next week back to our hectare with two main goals: the first being to create base maps of our sites, the second being to characterize the nature of our substrate. *Below this paragraph you will see our base maps, as well as a map showing the different layers under our hectare* When we arrived at the State Park we were taught how to dig a proper soil pit and how to test the acidity of it on a pH scale as well as how to determine what kind of soil it was.
1) Base Map We then hiked out to our site and created the base map. We made sure to record any key landmarks such as rock out crops/ ledges and trails.
2) Bedrock Geology After completing this step we moved onto studying the bedrock geology of our site. we located one of the many out crops and using a smaller rock we scratched of the surface of the bedrock. We then applied hydrochloric acid which caused a mild fizzle reaction proving that the bedrock is dolostone.
3) Soil Next we tested our soil. It took a long time to find a spot in our hectare that we could penetrate because most spots we tried had to many rocks in the way. We finally dug the pit (refer to "soil" tab) and took note of each horizon and took a pH reading.
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| "Layer Cake" Map |
Lab 3:
1.) Plot Sampling
In the first part of the lab, we decided upon how many 5m radius plots we should create in our hectare which was 6 plots in total. We started in each of the four corners, pacing 10m in from the corner, to where the center of each plot would be. From here, we used a meter tape to walk a complete circle around the center that was 5m radius to see what trees would be included in our plots. We took inventory of what species were present in each plot, and whether they were to be considered a tree, sapling or seedlings, or ground cover (non tree species). For each tree, we recorded DBH and used a clinometer to measure what is known as "merchantable height" (measuring to the point of the tree at which the tree will no longer be able to be sold as lumber. ie. major brach off, knot in wood, ect.)
2.) Natural Community
Using our knowledge of our hectare, the information collected regarding the species of plants and trees thriving in the area, and maps describing common Vermont natural communities, we were able to decide what type of natural community our hectare was. We compared the information found on the maps to what we had seen in the field, and decided on our natural community.
Lab 4
1.) Standing Dead Trees (Snags)
For the first part of the lab, we walked the entire hectare looking for "snags" which are standing dead trees. Snags are important because they offer a lot of habitat for animals such as squirrels, birds and chipmunks, therefore increasing diversity in an area. Using a decay code table, we identified what level of decay each snag was identified as, giving us a rough estimation of how long the tree was likely to be dead.
2.) Coarse Woody Debris
For the second part of the lab, we walked a straight line from Corner 4 to Corner 2, taking note of each tree that was down in the pathway. The line from Corner 2 to 4 was the longest line that could be drawn across our hectare and therefore offered the largest possibility and variability in the woody debris that we found. For each piece found, we measured the DBH with a DBH tape.
3.) Wildlife Matrices
We used the same method most land managers in New England use to determine what wildlife calls their plot of land home. Its not 100% percent accurate but it gives a good indication of what to expect in terms of wildlife. We took note of different aspects such as perches, shrubs, canopy, bodies of water, downed materials and more. This was collected so we could add input it into NE WILD a computer program that then generates a list of species. This list can be found on our "species" tab. Next we calculated the suitability of two different species: the Barred Owl and the Fisher. A description of both can be found on our "wildlife" tab. In order to determine if they are likely to be present we took information such as the amount of cavities, snags, ledges, hollow trees etc re in the area then plugged it into an equation.
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