Native Vs Invasive Tree Lab

Methods The required material for the observational study include 4 transects. Buckthorn was chosen to represent invasive plants in this study, while Maple was chosen to represent a native species. The measurements will be taken in the Danby woodlot, at York University, between the hours of 2:30pm and 5:30pm. Within the woodlot, ten 20ft by 20ft quadrats will be layed with the use of transects, in a diagonal fashion (directed north-east), such that the south-west corner of the each quadrat will contact the northeast corner of the preceding quadrat. Within each quadrat, count out the total number of trees (above breast height). If the amount is overwhelming, simply divide the quadrat into 4, count the trees within the quarter, then extrapolate by multiplying by 4. Furthermore, count out every Maple (above breast height), and every Buckthorn (above breast height) in the quadrat and tally all three measures. The number of each respective species, divided by the total number of trees counted equals the density per species. Repeat this process the following week during lab to obtain a total sample size of 10 (or more, if time allows) quadrats. However, to ensure no area is double-counted on the second week, a mark on a tree, at the northeast corner of the last quadrat, will be left to indicate the starting point for the following week. Plot the DBH/Density per species. Add a line of best fit. Compare the line per species. Whichever one is higher (higher y-value) is the more fit species.