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I sampled 30 replicates (10 from each site). The problems I experienced implementing my sampling design were the same as in Blog Post 5, where the uneven ground of Site 2 was difficult to maneuver as I was pacing out my steps. The thick vegetation around the rocky outcrop of Site 3 was also a challenge, but ultimately did not stop me from collecting any samples. Some patterns that I have noticed include the complete absence of Western redcedar trees from Site 1, and the domination of Site 2 by the Western redcedars. In my hypotheses, I predicted that the lower elevation and higher moisture content of Site 2 would promote the growth of the Western Red Cedar, which has been supported so far. Because Site 1 is so sandy and sand doesn’t retain as much moisture as loam or silt, the complete absence of Western redcedars is not very surprising. Elevation and aspect could also play a part in their distribution, as Site 1 is at a higher elevation than Site 2 but equal to that of Site 3. Site 3 receives more sun (aspect) than Site 1 however, which may explain the species distribution patterns I have noticed.
