User: | Open Learning Faculty Member:
For my study I have decided to analyze the ethnobotanical potential of the study area within my Nation. The survey will determine the current plant community, plant frequency and abundance. I will also collect data on the specific significant native species of interest; these are species that have been harvested for generations upon generations by the Syilx People.
Utilizing previous plant research in the community and knowledge of the study area as well with elder’s knowledge from the community I have targeted specific habitat types in the search for the selected keystone species identified. Elder’s knowledge indicated that plant species is well known and various of areas provide harvesting of medicine and foods for the indigenous people.
The Keystone species I have selected and four areas of study are..
1. Canopy Areas (Douglas-fir forest cover or Interior Douglas-fir Biogeoclimatic Zone).
Keystone Species Selected: Wild Onion, Soapberry, Red Osier Dogwood Field Mint, Tiger Lily, White Bog Orchid, Willow Spp., Spring Beauty, Saskatoon, Chocolate Lily, Paper Birch, Oregon grape, and Raspberry.
2. Grasslands (open areas or Bunchgrass Biogeoclimatic Zone)
Key Stone Species Selected: Saskatoon, Balsam Root, Sagebrush, Mariposa Lily, Big Sagebrush, Cactus, Field Mint, Fern-leaved Desert Parsley, Shrubby Penstemon Giant Wildrye, Yellow bell, Tarragon and Spring Beauty
3. Riparian Area
Key Stone Species Selected: Black Cottonwood, Cattail, Cows Parsnip, Douglas Maple, Field Mint, Bull Rush, Paper Birch, Red Osier, Dogwood, Raspberry, Saskatoon, Stinging Nettle, Water Birch, White Bog Orchid, and Willow.
4. Meadows (high-elevation opening in forest)
The meadow section of the footprint is surveyed specifically for spring beauty, due to the elders’ knowledge indicating that these areas were very productive harvesting sites. These areas were also surveyed later on as the canopy stratum with the same keystone species listed used to determine species frequency and abundance
