Our fourth day out in the field consisted of vegetation analysis along the Tolomato River. We used a transect/quadrant method to carry out the vegetation analysis. Quadrat analysis for this lab was conducted using 4 marking flags that designated a 1 meter-squared area. Four quadrats were placed along a transect that started from the edge of the shoreline moving farther up away from the water (9 m).
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Quadrat 1 (closest to the shore)
(Courtesy of Julianne) |
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Quadrat 4 (farthest from the shore)
(Courtesy of Julianne)
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Counting the individuals of the different plant species in the quadrats was no easy task. The percent coverage (an estimate of how much of the quadrat was covered by a particular plant species) was also recorded. By having these two measurements we can avoid overestimating small abundant plant species over larger, rarer plant species.
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Counting and sampling different plant species
(Courtesy of Julianne) |
For all 3 groups,
Spartina alterniflora (smooth cordgrass) was the only plant species present in quadrats 1 and 2 which were closer to the shoreline. Other plant species identified in quadrats 3 and 4, which were farther from the shoreline, were
Salicornia virginica (glasswort) and
Batis maritima (saltwort).
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| Batis maritima |
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| Salicornia virginica |
Before we left the restoration site, another interesting observation was made. A large boat passed by at a very high speed producing a very large wake. This is a leading cause of shoreline erosion.
Even though the day was rainy and gloomy, we had a good time sampling in the field. The muddy ride back in the mule was an interesting experience in which many laughs were shared. I hope to continue learning and experiencing what the area of field biology is all about.
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| (Courtesy of Sharilyn) |
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