CBS05 Estimates of vegetation structure and composition collected on Konza Prairie watersheds and on the nearby Rannell’s Preserve

Data set includes estimates of vegetation structure and composition collected during ~monthly sampling events on Konza Prairie watersheds and on the nearby Rannell’s Preserve. Vegetation data were collected from three (prior to 2017) or 10 randomly-selected locations on each watershed; two from outside the 10-ha plot (see project abstract) and one inside the plot. We sampled vegetation on each watershed once a month, during May, June, and July. Additional vegetation data were collected from bird nest sites within ~3 days of nests failing. We used 5 sets of Daubenmire frame measures to determine percent cover of major plant functional groups (at the center of the plot and 5 m from center at the 4 cardinal directions). We estimated visual obstruction by placing a Robel Pole in the middle, and 5 m from the middle of the plot in each of the 4 cardinal directions. For each pole placement, we stood 4 m away with eye 1 m above the ground in each of 4 directions, and counting the highest 5-cm segment not completely obscured by vegetation. At nests, we also estimated the slope and aspect in the center of each plot.