Field Trip

Hectare: A unit of area measurement equal to 100 meters by 100 meters.
Comparison to Acre: A hectare is significantly larger than an acre (approx. 760 acres).
Usage: The area in discussion has over 70 kilometers of trails, indicating heavy use primarily by local residents and the University of British Columbia (UBC) community.

Douglas Fir: Commonly found in this region, identifiable by its characteristics.
Western Hemlock: Recognized as important for this ecosystem, distinct from Eastern Hemlock.
Western Red Cedar: Also prevalent in the park.

Ecosystem Measurement: Ecosystems are classified based on various factors including climate, species variety, and successional stages.
Successional Stages: This term describes the development phase of a forest. For example, different species thrive depending on sunlight availability—deciduous trees like Big Leaf Maple require direct sunlight for growth.

Time Scale of Species Evolution: Earth is approximately 4.6 billion years old; species evolve to fit their environments over millions of years.
Last Glacial Maximum: Occurred around 11,000 years ago, leaving the area covered with ice, making current species non-native until the climate warmed and they adapted.
Secondary Growth: Refers to forests that have regrown following disturbances (e.g., logging or fires). Notably, there was a significant forest fire in 1910, and logging took place around 1930.

Methods: Proper measurement of tree heights requires tools like a laser range finder using trigonometry to determine the height from the ground to the tree top accurately.
Comparison of Heights: Current tree heights are around 44-45 meters. The tallest known trees, such as sequoias in California, can reach approximately 115 meters (380 feet), much taller than local trees.

Definition of Ecosystem Services: Benefits provided by trees and woodlands include shade, support for air quality improvements, and provision of habitat and food.
Supporting Services: Essential for nutrient recycling within the ecosystem; decaying trees provide vital nutrients.
Cultural Services: Urban forests contribute to a sense of place and local identity, particularly in indigenous culture.

English Holly and Laurel: Examples of invasive species that negatively impact native plant communities. Need for management to control their spread.
Impact of Invasives: Invasive species can create monocultures that reduce biodiversity and ecological resilience.

Species Count: In British Columbia, there are around 23 native tree species, with fewer than 10 observed in the local area (e.g., Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar, Western Hemlock, Big Leaf Maple).
Influence of Indigenous Species on Ecosystem Health: Native trees support a wider range of biodiversity, while non-native species create lower biodiversity levels due to lack of evolutionary interactions with local insect populations.

Urbanization and Biodiversity: Urban areas often suffer from reduced biodiversity, leading to biotic dead zones where few species thrive.
Importance of Native Flora: Maintaining native species is crucial for supporting local wildlife and sustaining urban ecosystems.