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| Brian and Jesse analyzing vegetation using the visual method |
Day 1 - Marsh Vegetation Data Collection: October 26, 2013
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| Previously Marked Quadrat |
Our group decided to analyze marsh vegetation at three different locations adjacent to the Tolomato River: north and south of the restoration site (controls) and directly behind the oyster reef. Originally, we were going to analyze 25 transects positioned approximately 25 meters apart, but we decided to analyze 17 transects that were set-up behind previously marked positions by the GTMNERR staff. All transects contained five quadrats positioned at four meter intervals (0, 4, 8, 12, and 16). Each
transect began at the edge of the shoreline where the vegetation started (0
meters) and ended 16 meters from the starting point. One quadrat (1 m2) made from white PVC pipe sectioned into a 16 celled grid was to be placed around each area of interest
on the transect. All of the original 25 transects were going to be analyzed using the visual method for determining the percent coverage of each species within the quadrats. However, Jason Lynn (biological scientist at GTMNERR) demonstrated a new technique for analyzing vegetation using photographic images taken directly above the marked quadrats. Percent coverage using the image analysis method was determined with free software called sample point.
Our group collected data on three transects using both the visual and image analysis method to see if they were comparable at determining vegetation percent coverage. We also collected and recorded the average canopy height of each species located within each quadrat.
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| Visual Analysis Method |
The camera being positioned over the quadrat appeared to reduce errors that are generally made with the visual analysis method and decreased the time spent in the field.
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| Jason collecting canopy height |
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