User: | Open Learning Faculty Member:
Recent Posts
7 Theoretical Perspectives
User: | Open Learning Faculty Member:
My research project is exploring the survival and maturation of rabbitbrush and sagebrush in Guerin Creek. Some of the underlying theoretical perspectives I will consider are water availability, interspecies competition, predation (herbivory), and disturbance-succession dynamics.
The water requirements of brush bushes and water availability at the creek site both interact to change germination rate, seedling establishment, and ultimately the maturation of brush bushes (McLendon et al. 2008).
Since both big sagebrush and green rabbitbrush bushes live together, they are in direct competition for space (access to sunlight), access to water sources, and pollinators (Young and Evans 1974). When examining my study area, there were clearly more big sagebrush than rabbitbrush in the creek valley. This was confirmed when analyzing my data and suggests that sagebrush is better adapted to life in the creek valley.
These two species are also subject to predation. Predators are similar between the two brush bushes including insects, grazing animals and rodents (Johnson 1979). Differential predation could influence the successful maturation of both brush plants, however in the literature I have reviewed, the predators are very similar for both plants. Because the brush bushes are extremely aromatic, most undulates do not graze on them, herbivores like deer and cattle are more likely to eat sagebrush over rabbitbrush, but consuming either in excess leads to significant decline in digestion.
Rabbitbrush is known to invade established sagebrush habitat following a disturbance such as a wildfire or construction, as it is much faster to grow from its underground roots (Young and Evans 1974). Sagebrush establishes more gradually following the disturbance. Research on the pre- and post-disturbance climax communities suggest that invasive grasses and plants lead to a significantly different composition in terms of vegetation following a disturbance. Because I was only able to see the mature plants, the species composition of the Guerin Creek ecosystem could not be measured.
Some interesting notes in performing the literature review for my project, I have found the research lacking specifically when looking at the water requirements for the brush bushes. In the reading I have completed, sagebrush and rabbitbrush are often considered pests, despite their significant ecological role in the stage-steppe ecosystems.
Keywords: Artemisia tridentata, depth to water (DTW), desert ecozone
References
Johnson, M. K. 1979. Foods of Primary Consumers on Cold Desert Shrub-Steppe of Southcentral Idaho. Journal of Range Management 32:365–368.
McLendon, T., P. J. Hubbard, and D. W. Martin. 2008. Partitioning the use of precipitation- and groundwater-derived moisture by vegetation in an arid ecosystem in California. Journal of Arid Environments 72:986–1001.
Young, J. A., and R. A. Evans. 1974. Population Dynamics of Green Rabbitbrush in Disturbed Big Sagebrush Communities. Journal of Range Management 27:127–132.
post 9
User: | Open Learning Faculty Member:
My field research project has made me appreciate the traditional ecological knowledge I have received from my community, grandparents, culture and previous job experience in cultural heritage resources. It also made me appreciate the education journey I am on learning and studying new western science and ecology. It is truly inspiring and reassuring of the journey I am on to raise awareness and make a different in the Forestry Practices/ Land Management regimes of this generation. It is only the very beginning for me and I have tons to learn still but this project was fun and awakening!
I believe that all Land Managers/Forest Professionals can work better together with First Nation Communities and exchange these traditional teachings and traditional ecological knowledge for the benefit of our beautiful land. Its no secret that our land is experiencing change from invasive non-native species, over-grazing and over-logging. This is the time we can conduct these studies and incorporate traditional land management strategies with current and bring back climax community in all of our ecosystems, watersheds and backyards.
Thank you for this opportunity in my early studies of school! only my second year of college, good luck to everyone else!
Post 8
User: | Open Learning Faculty Member:
The tables I have created show the current keystone species and patches greater or less than 25. This will show you the present keystone species I have selected for value/harvest purposes present.
post 7
User: | Open Learning Faculty Member:
The Theoretical Perspective of my study is current state and relationship of this study area and many areas in different ecosystems. the affects of non-native species and disturbances have on ecosystems and traditional plants and medicine. I am hoping its an eye opener to land managers how we can address these problems. The data I have collected only confirms what is being stated by community that yes there is still traditional plant use and they are current.
Post 6 – Data Collection
User: | Open Learning Faculty Member:
The completion of my data collection went great and as expected! its definitely eye opening on the affect of non-native species and cattle grazing have on ecosystems. However using both traditional ecological knowledge and western science will benefit and revitalize this ecosystem but no less sustain what is left. The data collected is consistent with the value and importance information the community and elders provide.
Post 5 – Design Reflections
User: | Open Learning Faculty Member:
The time frame for my surveying and collection of data was completed by late summer with surveying done in four different stages with four different areas of interest. Each stage and area was ensured and timed with the seasonal plants and plant communities so they can be observed and recorded for my project!
For the collection of data I used a Compass, GPS, Ipad, PlantBook, Elson Tape
With the knowledge I’ve received from my community and elders tied to western science, I wasn’t surprised with my results. The disturbance of cattle grazing and non-native species was definitely noticeable and a problem. Which comes into question the management strategies we can use to get DPC (desired plant community) back or natural disturbances to bring the ecosystem back to succession then to climax community.
Post 4 – Sampling Stragegies
User: | Open Learning Faculty Member:
I have selected four areas and they have been chosen for its ethnobotanical potential for harvesting specific plant species utilized and managed by the surrounding indigenous community. I have provided a list of plant species that will be targeted in my survey and will be the keystone species surveyed. Each stratum has specific plant species to be located and recorded.
I will be recording this data and conduct cultural heritage resource surveys of cultural values, including ethnobotanical, wildlife, cultural and ethno archeological resources (hunting grounds, CMTS)
I will assess the current plant community and any potential impacts.
Post 3 – Ongoing Observation
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
Post 2 – References
User: | Open Learning Faculty Member:
Referring to my Post 1 and my interest in the CPC/DPC of my study area , as well as the current state of traditional foods/medicines valued by the Syilx People. I will be referring to my personal experience in Cultural Heritage Resources in the Forestry Industry, My Traditional Beliefs as a Syilx Woman, My Grandmothers and Grandfathers Traditional teachings of the Timxw (The Land) and incorporating my knowledge I’ve been studying in Western Science.
I will also refer to a couple of papers..
Wright, Justin P, Clive G Jones and Alexander S Flecker (2002). An ecosystem engineer, the beaver, increases species richness at the landscape scale. Ecosystems Ecology 132: 96–101
Barrett, S.w., and Arno, S.F. 1982. Indian Fires as an Ecological Influence in the Northern Rockies. Journal of Forestry 80 (10). Pg. 647-651.
Pilarski, Michael. 1987. Native American Ecosystem Interaction. Restoration Forestry. An International Guide to Sustainable Forestry Practices. Kivaki Press. Pg. 280.
