Our first sampling site!
We laid two 50 m transects (lines marked with a large measuring tape) across the site, which we marked with GPS coordinates, and we looked at a plot every 5 meters along the transect. We picked a plot using a dice to randomly select whether it would be on the left or the right of the transect, then used the dice to determine how far from the transect the plot would be. We added 1 m to whatever value the dice gave for distance to account for trampling that we had caused along the transect. Ideally this randomization allows us to cover as much of the site’s species as efficiently as possible. Once we chose a site for the plot, we marked its GPS coordinates and laid a loop (it looks like a floppy hula hoop) around the plot. And then we recorded the plant species in each plot! This will be our protocol for every site, so don’t worry, this is the only time I’ll explain this part.
And then we got down to the business of identifying plants, so lots more pictures for you!
View of the Wildwood restored prairie
Apocynum cannabinum (Dogbane). This forest of dogbane was as tall as us! Felt a lot like being in a jungle, even if it was a very tiny one. The plant is similar in appearance to milkweed, and even “bleeds” white sap as milkweed does.
Penstemon digitalis (Foxglove Beardtongue). The site was full of them, and there were huge bees buzzing around the flowers! Penstemon has these distinctive white flowers, as well as recognizable dark green leaves that clasp the stem at their bases in sets of two.
Tradescantia ohiensis (Prairie Spiderwort). This purple flower is one of my favorites. It only blooms briefly, and if you touch the flower it leaves behind purple liquid on your fingers from its pigment!
