Post 1: Observations

June 1st 2020

The chosen study area is a roughly 400-metre stretch of riparian zone along the western shore of Nita Lake in Whistler B.C. The shoreline varies between steep and gentle inclines from the waters edge up to the train tracks which run parallel approximately 20 metres from the shoreline. The shoreline topography varies between steep terrain with large semi exposed stone boulders that are patchily covered in thin (2-inch) layer of coarse fast drained topsoil, and lower lying areas with deep, spongy and moist soils covered by a thick layer of decaying detritus. The vegetation is a mix of red alder, western red cedars, western hemlocks, and the very occasional Sitka spruce. Red alder trees appear to be the most dominant species closest to the waters edge, and grasses and young red alders are the only vegetation found in the lowest lying areas.

Large trees, (over approximately 6 metres tall) appear only to on the higher ground, with the exception of some older red alders by the water’s edge. Over the other side of the railway there is extensive forest with western red cedars, western hemlocks and Douglas fir.

The lake became fully unfrozen in early April, and stream flow into the lake progressively increased, peaking in late May. The Lake water level rose approximately 40cm between early April and late may, and has since subsided by around 20 cm. At peak water level some areas of lower lying vegetation were submersed.
Weather: I visited the site at 4pm, and the weather was overcast, with a temperature of 12C.

Questions:
1. Are red alder the most dominant species in low lying, waterlogged and flood prone areas?
2. Are Western Red Cedars, Western hemlocks and Sitka spruce better suited to fast draining soils?
3. Young red alders (mostly less than 1 metre in height) appear to be abundant in the low lying areas. Are they a pioneer species after flood events?