Wild Goose Run Field Survey

Assignment 2: Field Survey of Wild Goose Run
Pearson Dudezki ID#: 0786051
Field surveys are an important aspect concerning protecting natural environments as well understanding how an ecosystem functions. I decided to do my field survey on Wild Goose Woods located in the University of Guelph’s Arboretum. The Arboretum was founded in the early 1970’s and has developed into an array of botanical gardens, walking trails and conservation programs.
Administrative Information
The Arboretum is publically managed by the University of Guelph. Although there is no private ownership it continues to be maintained by the Director- Professor Shelly Hunt- a forest ecologist in the School of Environmental Sciences (SES). Alongside Professor Hunt,
The first thing that immediately caught my attention was the countless groups of joggers that constantly kept on passing by my side. I decided that the Arboretum was an ideal place to jog because of its many long windy gravel pathways coupled with the many sights and sounds of nature. Alongside joggers, I saw numerous people (mostly couples) holding hands and walking their dogs. I also took notice to many man-made features as I conducted my field research. Immediately after entering Wild Goose Woods I noticed a small shelter constructed out of large tree branches and old tree logs. The trails that run through the Arboretum are filled with park benches, often in places where those sitting can enjoy the immediate scenery. Much of the Wild Goose Wood trail was covered in wet thick mud due to excessive rainfall. In order for me and other trail trekkers to pass through the trail required the use of long tree logs and branches placed over the muddy, rain-laden soil, so as to not muck up your shoes and boots. I figured I was the only one to visit this trail in a while considering how many bridges I had to gap.The outline in the course manual asked to describe the land as we presently see it. I questioned what other uses these trail systems would provide during the other seasons of the year. I figured if the landscape was suitable for jogging then it
I also took notice to the various types of grassland that covered the forest floor and wetlands. Most commonly was perhaps a native wetland plant by the name of Big Blue Stem. This plant grows narrow blades that stand up to six feet tall. Big Blue Stem enjoys moist soils and can easily be identified near the end of Wild Goose Woods- where the forest floor is always burdened by water. Alongside Big Blue Stem, I identified Indian Grass, Wool Grass, Porcupine Sedge, the Water Smartweed and the common water plantain. One plant I did not come across during my field work was the cattail, which also subsists in wet and marshlands similar to the lands found in Wild Goose Woods.Due to the relatively short list of trees and grasses I identified in Wild Goose Woods, I decided to conduct further research within the Arboretum. On numerous occasions through other various trails I was able to spot the Eastern Hemlock pine tree, which is also known as the Canadian hemlock. It is a coniferous tree that grows flat needles and tiny seed cones. Its bark is course and ruff to the touch. The Balsam Fir, also part of the pine family, resembles the Eastern Hemlock, yet differs considerably when looking at the small details. The Balsam Fir has long green needles that have a white strip on the underside of the needle. The trunk of the tree is distinct from that of an hemlock, in regards to the bark looks and feels much softer. These trees also have many small blister-like bumps that