SEE-U 2000: Black Rock Forest - Module 2:Exercise 2

## Exercise 2: Measuring Biodiversity
Module 2: Introduction to Local Biomes

### Your Questions

1. What are the characteristic species assemblages of the Eastern Deciduous Forest ecosystem and how can local biodiversity be measured?

### Background

A biome is a large-scale environment where similar abiotic conditions have resulted in a major vegetation association dominating the landscape. Examples include rain forest, boreal forest, desert, grassland, tundra, etc. Black Rock Forest (BRF) sits in the heart of the Eastern Deciduous Forest Biome (EDF). The EDF of North America runs approximately from the eastern half of the Mississippi to the Atlantic seaboard and from Georgia to Nova Scotia. It is the major biome of eastern North America.

Black Rock Forest is an excellent example of the diversity represented within EDF. It is a species-rich forest preserve of nearly 4,000 acres and includes stands of old-growth forest, waterfalls, and rocky mountain summits with views of more than 50 miles. Its includes several distinct watersheds which eventually flow into the nearby Hudson River (which is a good example of an estuary biome).

This lab aims to demonstrate the types of communities and species found within EDF, and orient students to BRF. It also introduces the concepts of topographic map use, GPS, ecological scale, and biodiversity based on observations made in the field.

### Your Assignment

This assignment involves four tasks:

1. To use the existing trail network to become acquainted with BRF, its communities, and its dominant species. (5 hrs during day 1)
2. In pairs, locate and travel to specific areas of interest using maps, compass and GPS. (1 hr during day 1)
3. To identify the linkage between measures of scale and measures of biodiversity. (5 hrs during day 2)
4. Write-up and discuss results (2 hrs at end of day 2).

Task one will involve a guided hike through the forest.

To complete tasks two through four, use the following procedure:

1. Using the map and compass, travel to the specified point of interest. Focus on your map reading skills. Mark your location using the GPS unit.
2. At the beginning of day two, return to your point of interest, using the GPS system and map. Census the make up of the community at several different spatial scales and using several censusing techniques to gauge understory plant, tree, and ant diversity.
3. Return to the lab to analyze, write-up, and discuss your results.

### Objectives

1. Reflect on the make-up and history of the Eastern Deciduous Forest ecosystem.
2. Make observations about components and processes of the local biome
3. Gain expertise in map reading as a first step towards GPS expertise
4. Understand concepts of biodiversity and spatial scaling.
5. Measure biodiversity.

### Key Skills

1. Gain familiarity and confidence with the local ecosystem.
2. Familiarity with basic orienteering techniques
3. Ability to conduct thorough ecological observations and collect data in the field.
4. Identification of key floral and faunal species.
5. Knowledge of the importance of scale.
6. Knowledge of the concepts of biodiversity, species richness, (-diversity, and (-diversity.

### Timetable

1. Total elapsed time to perform the experiment : Two days
   - Set-up, travel to and from field sites, guided hike, and overview of orienteering skills will be done during day one.
   - Data collection and analyses on day two.
2. Total elapsed hands-on time : approximately Fifteen hours over two days
   Day 1:
   - Opening lecture = 1 hour
   - Guided hike = 5 hour
   - Map use instruction = 1 hr
   - Orienteering = 1 hr
   Day 2:
   - Opening lecture = 1 hour
   - Orienteering = 1 hr
   - Data collection = 3 hours
   - Return to lab = 1 hr
   - Summarization, writing, and discussion with instructor = 1 hour

### Procedural Notes

1. Appropriate field gear (hat, sunscreen, bug spray, lunches, water) needed for extended stay in forest.
2. Students should be scattered about a diversity of habitats - instructors will choose the general types ahead of time (hill top, hill side, valley, wet, dry, etc.). All locations should be grouped together and there should be at least one instructor or TA very nearby

### Materials Needed

1. Field notebook and writing instruments
2. Tape measures (at least 50 to 100 m tapes)
3. Compasses
4. Topographic maps
5. Plant and ant collecting tools (bags, vials, presses, knives, tags)