Methods

  

            Coming across a hectare of land to be studied is no simple task.  It is a complex and time consuming undertaking. Where to begin? That is the biggest question.  So, with a set of organized guidelines and a willingness to learn we set out to unfold the layers of the forest ahead of us.

            To begin studying our hectare we had to take several steps. After locating the starting point for which we could begin our plot we began the task of creating a perfect square hectare (100 meters by 100 meters).  With each corner we marked the coordinates into a GPS and marked trees with flagging tape.  From day one we drew field maps in our personal notebooks that marked aspects of the landscape.  From hills to rocks we did our very best to include every detail.  Now, after creating our plot, we could begin exploring the nature of the beautiful habitat that we had entered.  Over the next four weeks we would begin to develop an understanding of the surficial geology, forest composition, wildlife, and the history and future status of our plot using a variety of tests and observations. 

            After creating our plot we began to determine the soil type, surficial geology, and bedrock that existed there.  In order to do this we dug a soil pit, which would show us the changes in soil composition as depth increased.  To determine surficial geology and bedrock we pinpointed our location on a map of Niquette Bay State Park that included these details.  By carrying a small tube of HCL (hydrochloric acid) we were able to test for calcium content in the forest by dropping a small amount on exposed rock.  After completing these tests we had a strong basis for understanding the geology of our plot, which is the cause for the type of ecosystem that flourishes above it. 

            On our next visit to Niquette Bay State Park we began to analyze the trees and vegetation in our plot.  We set up six separate plots, each with a five-meter radius.  We were careful to choose areas that appeared to be unique from each plot so we could capture the diversity of the forest.  In each plot we recorded the species, circumference, and height of each tree.  As we went along we were careful to note the dominant species of saplings that were present as well as any herbaceous species. After completing these plots we concluded that although we were only studying a single hectare in the park, it was divided into three sections, each with a different dominant tree type.

            Next came our task of understanding the potential wildlife on our plot.  We set out to take an inventory on the snags on the site.  A snag is a standing dead tree.  This was important since snags provide food and shelter for various animals and insects.  We also noted the canopy type of the forest, the amount of ground vegetation, any tree cavities, any presence of water, and several other factors that would help us to hypothesize about potential wildlife in the area. Lastly, we set up two separate transects and measure the course woody debris.

            Although all of these steps appear to be very methodical we have to remember that a huge part of understanding any ecosystem is personal observation!  We listened, smelled, and looked with the purpose of having a connection with the land.  We encourage you to go and explore this beautiful ecosystem!