User: | Open Learning Faculty Member:
The site where I will carry out my research project is located at 1823 Creek Street in Nelson, BC, in the NE corner of the property. This property is on what was originally a large forested slope. UTM: 11U479004mE 5480823mN. ASL: 153.
Site was visited on 14-11-2017 at 1245 PST. Weather was overcast and 5 degrees celsius.
The size of the site is approximately 10m x 6m. It is on a west facing slope with a 12% gradient.
The species composition are dominated by the following:
A layer:
- mature Thuja Plicata approximately 1.5 m diameter
- dead standing Prunus Virginia
- Acer glabrum
B layer:
- Acer glabrum
- Salix spp.
- Sorbus sitchensis
- Sambucus spp.
C layer:
- Symphoricarpus albus
- Mahonia aquifolium
- Unidentified invasive groundcover (dominates)
There is also some moss present on the large boulders that are found in the site. The ground is blanketed in dead maple leaves and cedar debris. Two fresh piles of deer scat were observed. This semi-rural backyard greenbelt has some signs of anthropogenic activity including a small shed, trimmed tree branches, and invasive species.
Since there is good spatial variation within the site, it seems to provide a good opportunity to make some comparisons between the different types of areas, focusing on potential variations in ecosystem properties between areas dominated by coniferous, and those dominated by deciduous. 3 potential research questions:
Snow accumulation in various locations throughout the site.
Differences in LFH layers throughout the site.
Differences in mineral properties throughout the site.
