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HabitatNet: A Global Biodiversity Project
| Field Report: | Amherst
Conservation Land Amherst, New Hampshire USA |
Spring, 1997 |
Submitted By: Dan Bisaccio, Project Director
Project Staff: Melissa Chapman
Attached are student reports from the Nature & Literature Senior Seminars (Dan Bisaccio & Melissa Chapman, teachers) Conservation Biology classes (Melissa Chapman; teacher) and 10th grade science classes (Anne Clifton-Waite; teacher).
| Abstract |
Beginning in May, 1996, science students at Souhegan High School began a permanent biological biodiversity survey of Amherst Conservation Lands located within walking distance of the school campus. Using transects, students mapped a one (1) hectare plot in a secondary growth mixed deciduous - pine forest . The hectare plot was divided into twenty-five (25) 20 meter by 20 meter quadrats (Table A). This plot is known as: Biodiversity Plot #1, Amherst Conservation Land.
In September, 1996, students in the Nature & Literature Seminars began mapping and marking each tree that had a minimum DBH of 10 cm in twenty of the twenty-five quadrats. Using the protocol prescribed by the Smithsonian Institute’s Man & Biosphere Program (SI/MAB: Table B), students collected biological diversity data on the tree species present in Biodiversity Plot #1. Data on tree frequency, dominance, and density where compiled as well as data on canopy coverage (Table C). This data was entered into the Smithsonian Institute’s BioMon data base and quadrat tree maps were printed (section 1 of this field report).
Additionally, students in the 10th grade began compiling data on arthropod species diversity indices as well as one 10th grade student began work on mapping lichen species within the biodiversity plot to be used as possible ecoindicators of SOx and NOx pollution within the biodiversity plot.
During the winter months, Nature Seminar students collected data on mammals and resident birds. Concurrent projects included Forest Watch studies monitoring ozone with regard to the health of white pines (Pinus strobus) and a student senior project investigating migratory bird species found within the plot.
Amherst, NH Biodiversity Plot 1 Coordinates: (Magellan 2000 GPS)
420 50.06’ North
710 35.10’ West
| Concluding Remarks |
"If the land mechanism as a whole is good, then every part of it is good, whether we understand it or not. If the biota, in the course of eons, has built something we like but do not understand, then who but a fool would discard seemingly useless parts? To keep every cog and wheel is the first precaution of intelligent tinkering."
Aldo Leopold: A SAND COUNTY ALMANAC
Certainly, this report is just a beginning. Much more work needs to be done and will be done over the next several years. Basic taxonomic work complimented with continuing investigations of species interactions will allow us to more fully understand and appreciate the wisdom of Aldo Leopold.
Organismic adaptation and speciation can not keep pace with the accelerating extinction rate caused by our species’ ignorance. In addition to the basic research and investigations afforded by this project, a primary focus is to reacquaint students with nature so that we may better understand our fundamental role and responsibility in safeguarding global biological diversity.
| Resources Used in Compiling This Report |
Manual of Woody Landscape Plants. M. Dirr, Stipes Publishing Company, Champaign, Ilinois
Peterson Field Guide Series. Houghton-Mifflin Company, Boston
Stokes Nature Guide Series. Little Brown & Company, Boston
Smithsonian Institute’s MAB Digest # 11 , Technical Report on conducting biodiversity monitoring research. Francisco Dallmeier, editor.
Smithsonian Institute: MABDATA BioMon Software: DOS program for managing data compiled at biodiveristy sites; Smithsonian Institute (SI/MAB), 1992
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 Souhegan High
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Last Updated on
11/03/03 © 1998 Souhegan High School |
