2. Site and species selection
Before you or your group can start monitoring, you will need to select your study species and site and tell us about your choices. Please read the instructions on how to do so and then complete the form at the bottom of this page. Questions? Please contact Christa (cpmulder@alaska.edu) or Katie (klspellman@alaska.edu).
Winterberry Site and Species Selection.movHow To Video 1:
Selecting your species and site
The focal species were are investigating are shown below. We selected these four species because they all retain a portion of their berries overwinter and are important to people. You may choose just a single species to monitor, or you may choose more than one. However, for the data to be useful you must monitor the same species for at least 2 years.
If none of these species are found in your region you may choose a closely related species (upon consultation with Christa or Katie).
Site selection:
A site is the area that encompasses the plants you plan to observe. Select a site that is convenient to get to and relatively uniform. The size of your site will depend on how sparse the species you are observing are on the landscape and which species you are monitoring. If the plants are dense and you selected a small species, a small site will work, if the plants are sparse, a larger site will be necessary.
You will make your observations repeatedly at the same site or sites over time. You will want to somehow mark your site so that you can find it again in the future.
Try to avoid sites where you know people regularly pick berries (we are not tracking human use of berries). Remember, if the land is not publicly owned, be sure to secure permission from the landowner to observe plants on the property.
Try to avoid:
- Sites near buildings
- Steep slopes
- Areas prone to snow drifts
- Watered or fertilized sites
Please complete this form so we have the information we need for your site before you start collecting your data.