Habitat Survey

Jug Bay Wetlands Sanctuary

Habitat Survey

Tulip Tree (Liriodendron tulipifera) in Plot 530-Q

The Habitat Survey began in 2003 as an effort to map the habitat trypes found throughout the Sanctuary. Understanding the diveristy and distribution of habitat types is will be seful in evaulating the distribution and abundance of plants and animals and is critical in habitat management. The Survey focuses on the terrestrial habitats since the wetland habitats were well described through prior studies.

In 2007, we are focusing on the Virginia Pine Forests of the Glendening Preserve.

Research Activity:

Teams of volunteers conduct plot studies once a week between May and October.
10m by 10m temporary plots are established at per-determined locations
Each tree is identified to species and the diameter at breast height (DBH) is over 4.0 cm, it is measured and recorded.
Shrubs, vines, ferns, and herbaceous plants are also identified.
Physical characteristics of the plot are recorded.
Review the Protocol
Habitat Survey Data Sheet
Map of 2007 Plots

Measuring a large Tulip Tree Liriodendron tulipifera

Volunteer Skills Needed:

Willingness to walk off trails
Interest in learning tree identification
Ability to work in small teams

Schedule: Surveys take place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays on alternating weeks.

Contact Karyn Molines or Lindsay Hollister to sign up and for the current schedule.

We have written a Teechnical Report on the "Diveristy and Abundance of Trees Within the Upland Forests of the Parris N. Glendenning Preserve at Jug Bay." Download the 9M pdf. It is still in revision, so comments are welcome.