European Buckthorn Abundance, Plant Species Richness, and Ground Temperature at York University

Three 3 m x 3 m quadrats were used to sample European buckthorn abundance, plant species richness, and ground temperature in three different plots at York University: Boyer woodlot, Osgoode woodlot, and Saywell woodlot. The quadrats were randomly within each woodlot. Coordinates of each quadrat were generated by MicrosoftExcel software with relation to a chosen corner of the woodlot. Distance was measured using a measuring wheel. Woodlot dimensions were calculated using MapDevelopers software. Number of European buckthorn plants in each quadrat was recorded as European buckthorn abundance, and number of plant species in each quadrat excluding European buckthorn was recorded as plant species richness. Plants species included moss (phylum Bryophyta), grass (phylum Tracheophyte), low-level plants, shrubs and trees. Any human activity proximal to the quadrats was measured, the ground temperature of a spot in each quadrat was measured (degrees Celsius), and the outside temperature (degree Celsius) on each day was measured. Sunlight coverage of each quadrat was estimated but not used as a factor in this lab report because a means of accurate measurement was not available. Replicates of these measurements were taken on three different days: October 1, October 8, and October 15, in order to eliminate variance due to changes in temperature and weather. These dates are referred to as week 1, week 2, and week 3.