In fall 2018, Radford University BIOL 476: "Forest & Wetland Ecology" students and Dr. Christine Small conducted a forest health assessment at Wildwood Park in Radford, Virginia. Environmental data and vegetation inventories were conducted at locations throughout the park to document plant species present and investigate forest structure, composition, and disturbance impacts.
Twelve 400 m² vegetation plots were established on east- and west-facing slopes and floodplain habitats across the park. When establishing each plot, we chose areas that were relatively uniform and representative of the forest type present (not an edge habitat, without numerous fallen trees, etc.). Plot shape was configured to best-represent landscape features. If the terrain was restricted because of streams, paths, or topography, plots were established parallel to the slope or habitat feature (10 x 40 m rectangular plots). If the habitat was relatively uniform, plots were set up in a 20 x 20 m square configuration. This resulted in nine 20 x 20 m square plots and three 10 x 40 m rectangular plots. In each plot, we recorded information on plot shape, dimensions, and location (longitude and latitude) using a GPS. Other site environmental data collected in each plot included:
Tree and shrub data was collected in 4 - 10 x 10 m subplots within each plot. In each subplot, each tree and shrub species were identified and Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) measured using a DBH tape). Small trees and shrubs (stems reaching 1.37 m height but DBH smaller than 2.5 cm) also were identified to species and counted. Percent of each subplot covered by tree canopy, shrubs, and herbs was estimated visually, as well as percent of each subplot covered by each invasive tree and shrub species. Tree diameter data was used to calculate species basal area (total area occupied by all individual trees of a species; m²/ha) and species density (number of individuals per area; stems/ha). Basal area and density data then were used to calculate relative basal area (species basal area/total plot basal area; percentage), relative density (species density/total plot density; percentage), and a Relative Importance Value (average of relative basal area and density; percentage) for each tree species in each plot. |