Taking photos of the project site to observe plant growth over time is an important process as it allows us to visually track progress. This protocol is implemented annually in May to give a general understanding of how the plant communities at Goose Creek are changing each year. The photos are taken at the same location so that the next years team has a continuous reference tool to use for monitoring plant growth. In order to get the most effective and usable photos that match previous years, it was essential that the same view and frame were used. Additionally, we placed a marker in the frame that informs the location of the photo. Finally, ensuring that each photo accurately represents the riparian area of interest at Goose Creek allowed us to have valuable comparable data that is useful in determining plant community growth over time.
Below are some examples of the drastic changes that can be seen in photopoints.
In the above photos (Photopoint #1) taken at the same location, a visual difference between 2015 and 2018 is shown. The native species have grown significantly, and there are clear distinguished rows where they have grown. The 2015 photo shows the reed canary grass as very low because, before the growth of the native plants, it was easier to mow in between. In the 2018 photo, the reed canary grass is higher, as our team had not weed whacked this area yet due to rains.
At this location (Photopoint #6), the growth of this tree was significant. Additionally, there was an overall increase in vegetation around Goose Creek which has helped with shading and reducing the temperature of the creek.
The above comparisons (Photopoint #13) exemplify the effects that herbicide use implemented by MWC has on controlling invasive species. The application of the chemicals occurred overwinter this year and has clearly been effective in killing both the reed canary grass and Himalayan blackberry.
To return to Our Efforts, click here.