We have been out in the ravines setting up our research plots, we are recreating the plots that were set up in 1977 in order to resurvey the canopy cover by identifying all of the trees over 3 diameters at breast height and the under story vegetation. This will give us a quantitative baseline of tree species composition and allow us to track changes in the ravine. Because the plots are large, 80×50 meters we are setting up 10×10 grids within each plot in order for our resurvey to be manageable and have been lucky enough to be able to use a Trimble GPS system. Using a precise GPS system allows us to accurately plot the grids very quickly, we were able to do four plots in an afternoon, which would have taken us twice as long with a measuring tape and compass, though a compass will always come in handy when you are out in the field.

Today the Ravine Team met up with resident Mount Pleasant Cemetery arborist Jeff McMann. We were looking at the health of some large trees today, including these two oaks which Jeff explained were original ‘residents’ of the cemetery and approximately 150 years old. Special thanks to Jeff and the Mount Pleasant Cemetery.