Some of our keen-eyed wetland volunteers may have recently noticed a mysterious cordoned off square in Totara Glade in recent months! You may also have heard, some months ago, something about a plant survey. This first weekend in March, this project has begun, and will be taking place (hopefully) over the next many years. I am doing this to study the changes in this 10x10m², as the trees and plants we have planted near the area grow, and potentially change the abundance of light and water in the study area.
The area in question is currently an ‘edge zone’, which is where, in nature, two different habitats meet, and biodiversity is often at its highest among many other things. Think coasts, forest edges, stream and lake edges and the snowline on a mountain. We find some of nature’s most talented survivors and outliers in these areas. As our planted trees grow and the edge zone moves and changes in the coming years, I anticipate changes to the plant life as a result and so I will be making a full record of what can be found there currently. Then, once a year, we will use that record and note any changes.
As you can see in the pictures, I have created a grid of 1m squares within the larger square to split the work into smaller, more manageable chunks. These smaller squares are temporary, while the top line is permanent to prevent disturbance of the area, whether it is a well-meaning volunteer or an excited school holiday programme participant looking for building materials for their huts!
Starting next year, this project will be suitable for all knowledge levels, and I will be inviting you all to join me if you’re keen to learn about plants and trees, and how to identify them! If you’re interested in learning more about the project, I’m always keen to chat with and involve any fellow plant enthusiasts, see below.
Ngā mihi nui! Joshua Stobart – contact via the Matuku Link office: hello@matukulink.org.nz or 0226922016
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