Abstract
A virtual trip to a portion of the Kilmer Ecological Preserve was undertaken to identify the stages of secondary succession at eighteen selected areas. After observing various plant species present at each area, it was noticed that different stages of succession existed at different places depending on several influencing and interrelated factors.
Introduction
A virtual tour to the Kilmer Ecological Preserve. The tour started from the bus stop in front of Beck Hall. The trip covered 18 stations, including undisturbed forest, and abandoned farmlands that were used till 1920’s and 1930’s. The objective was to identify the stage of succession at each station depending on the plant species present in that area.
Method
The existence of plant life in an area starts with the emergence of annuals and biennials, followed in succession by perennial herbs, shrubs and trees. Herbs are characteristic of early stage of succession; shrubs for later succession and finally trees are seen in mature/climax community. Although it is supposed to follow a schematic pattern, various disturbances and other influencing factors result in overlapping of and, in turn, alterations in these growth patterns. Hence, various areas with different backgrounds were selected in the Kilmer Ecological Preserve, to observe the kinds of plant species present and their growth forms; thereby, to identify the stage of succession in each area. The succession in these areas is called secondary succession as it occurs in previously colonized areas.
Results and Conclusion- The parts of the Preserve that were disturbed due to farming, wartime camp or fire showed initial stages of succession containing mainly perennial herbs and shrubs. The relatively undisturbed forest areas like the pre-1840 region showed well-grown trees symbolizing a climax community. Station no. 17, at the junction of the forest and the lawn, indicated the difference in succession between disturbed and undisturbed areas. The forest side showed the canopy, sub canopy and herbaceous zones, whereas the lawn side had only grass varieties that represent early succession. The following table gives a detailed description of the stage of succession and the kinds of plant species present at each station.
The areas where the natural forest environment was disturbed by one or the other reasons, showed mostly perennials and shrubs. Large trees along with shade tolerate shrubs dominated the areas of the deep forest. The trails and roadsides mostly had perennial grass and herbs as they were capable of growing rapidly in open spaces, while withstanding sunlight. Areas of deep and relatively undisturbed forest showed few herbs as they couldn’t grow under the shade of large trees and shrubs.
While there were no noticeable species at the origin of Buell Brook owing to its oily and warm water, some snails and crayfishes were found in its shallow stream deep in the forest. Some trout lilies were noticed growing along the bank in the forest.
All in all, it was evident that the range of plant species in all the areas covered varied greatly depending on various influences. The normal pattern of ecological succession is prone to natural and man made disturbances. Hence, an overlapping of plant forms that is unlikely for a standard succession is inevitable.