Our Project

Our team conducted a biochemical analysis of the soil samples from St. Croix in the lab. We took two approaches: 1) conduct an eDNA analysis on the archived soil samples and 2) conduct an elemental analysis on the fresh soil samples. For eDNA analysis, we tested the utility of the archived soil samples and extracted DNA from samples. We also began elemental analysis for our samples to analyze the carbon:nitrogen (C:N) data on the archived soil.

The archival research team was responsible for gathering and recording data to create a Plantation Intensity Index that will categorize plantations by how significantly they used the land, considering several factors such as acreage, sugar exports, population of enslaved laborers, and windmill presence. Data in regards to the previous factors were researched and recorded for the estates Little Princess, North Star, Betty’s Hope, Great Pond, Eliza’s Retreat, Windsor, Concordia East (Queen’s Quarter), Concordia West (Westend Quarter), Bethlehem Old Works, Adventure and Cane Garden, narrowed down from over thirty estates.

the spatial analysis team developed maps displaying the following ecological and abiotic factors on St. Croix: elevation, the 30-year temperature normal (1971-2000), the 30-year precipitation normal (1971-2000), the geology of St. Croix, vegetation health, and vegetation water content. We intend for these maps to be used as supplemental context to understanding the Critical Ecology Lab’s findings and as a reference for understanding ecological differences across the island.