LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES, KY/TN – September 7, 2016 – The Silviculturist at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area will take citizen scientists into the Fox Hollow Project area, Friday, September 23. Interested people will meet Yvonne Helton and her crew at 9am on Forest Service Road 220 at the Woodlands Trace National Scenic Byway.
These volunteer scientists will be using forestry tools to collect data used to evaluate tree communities in forests. Information gathered will be used to identify species, age class, forest structure, site conditions and evaluate overall forest health. While walking between plots, participants will monitor for non-native invasive vegetation.
Participants will need to be prepared to spend the day in the woods–bring plenty of water, snacks, lunch, and insect repellant. Protective clothing of long pants, long sleeve shirts, hard hats, and boots are recommended.
If you would like to borrow a Forest Service hard hat, please contact Kimberly at 270-924-2020. One will be provided for you.
“When we first meet up,” explains Yvonne Helton, “we will learn how to use the tools to collect the data. After that, we will be driving then hiking to key locations throughout the area to collect information. Once collected, we will be able to define the various tree stands or community types in Fox Hollow to help determine management needs.”
On this field tour to examine tree stands, citizen scientists will be using a prism, diameter tape, clinometer and an increment borer to collect data. Information showcasing these forestry tools can be found on Land Between the Lakes official website at https://www.landbetweenthelakes.us/3-reasons-join-us-in-field/.
To find out more about the Fox Hollow Collaborative Effort at Land Between the Lakes, log on to https://www.landbetweenthelakes.us/category/community-2/fox-hollow-collaborative/.
To better understand the natural dynamics of a forest, check out the pamphlet Approaches to Ecologically Based Forest Management on Private Lands at https://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/misc/ecoforest/dyn.htm.