Brief Overview of My Research and Winter Break Recap

In Fall 2015, I started my capstone project on vegetation distribution on Water Canyon Watershed on Santa Rosa Island. Prior to this project, I knew a very minimal amount of plant species. I spent many days both on the main land and island researching and learning different plant species. The beginning of the semester was a challenge. I barely knew any plants, so I was taking pictures of every species I found. I was then going back to plant experts, as well as looking them up online, to find out what the species were. I am now confident when identifying species in my transect, with the exception of annual grasses. While conducting research, I identify the species to the genus and sometimes the species. To keep my accuracy of identifying species high, I categorize annual grasses in a group.

After visiting the island five times during the fall semester, I ventured out again for a week over winter break. During this week long trip, I was able to finish up surveying the watershed. I have 25 sites throughout the watershed, starting at the upper reaches and ending near the ocean. At each site, I capture data for two terraces and anything that falls between them, floodplains, stream channels, etc. Prior to this trip, I was unsure with some of my previous data collected. I was able to go back to those sites and resurvey with my modified methods. I now have a complete set of transects for the watershed. 

I have one more week long trip planned for spring break. During this time, I will double check my transects and make sure I have all the correct data. I will also be putting in rebar, so future studies can find my sites. In the mean time, I will be entering and completing my data sheet. I am now moving towards the process of writing my methods and processing my current data.