Barington Head Waters

    This morning we analyzed our data from our tree data collection yesterday to find the relative and absolute density (how many of a certain species there is and how many in comparison to all of the trees in the plot).  We also evaluated the relative sizes of the trees we sampled.

	Density of Species		Number of individuals in each DBH class (cm)
Species	Absolute Density	Relative Density	2-5.99	6-9.99	10-13.99	14-17.99	18-21.99	22-25.99	26-29.99	30-33.99	34-37.99
Hemlock	81	77%	27	36	14	4
Beech	14	13%	1	2		3		2	3	2	1
Maple	3	3%				3
Birch	6	6%		1		1	3		1
Basswood	1	1%						1

Based on the data that we collected, density-wise the sample plot is dominated by coniferous trees (specifically Hemlock trees). However, the deciduous trees in the plot (specifically Beech and Birch) do play a major part in the overall environment because their larger size means that they contribute more to the landscape.  The Hemlock trees are mostly young, indicating that they are emerging in the woods. This makes sense as the forest is entering into late succession and Hemlock trees are well suited to the shady environment.  It is reasonable to assume that in the future these Hemlock trees will grow to dominate the area even though there are many factors including a recent outbreak of pests that attack the tree.


After our analysis it was time to be introduced to where we would be doing our research project: the Barrington Head Waters.  We participated in a scavenger hunt that had us stopping at various points of interest including: a site where there was clear age discontinuity (very old trees on one side and young trees on the other, most likely a result of the logging that occurred in the area), an area flooded by a Beaver dam, and an area where clear cutting for power lines had left a large field with many bushes. We also stopped at a homestead site.  I think scavenger hunts are a great activity for kids for many reasons: 1) it allows exploration of a new place and highlights interesting places, 2) for children that need lots of activity, they are only ever stopped and focused for 5 minutes at a time, 3) students are also getting a lesson in teamwork as the negotiate which way to go next.

  While the last couple of days have been a bit draining as we really have crammed a surprising amount of learning in in less than 20 hours, there was a moment as we walked through the woods where I thought to myself: I'm hiking and spending time outside as part of my graduate work...this is pretty great.