This project focuses on red spruce (Picea rubens). How does forest fragmentation influence nutrient cycling? How do red spruce trees respond to phosphorous (P) limitation in these systems? If there is evidence for genetic variability in response to P limitation in these systems, it could provide clues to where refuges have evolutionary been found for this declining species. Red Spruce has historically been pushed up in elevation with its range becoming fragmented and limited to mountain tops at the southern range edge. This is of interest to scientists interested in effects of climate warming, i.e. expected pole-ward range shifts. Genetic diversity of populations at the southern end of this species’ range is consequently of importance to the persistence of this species. It was hypothesized in this study that habitat fragment size would influence growth traits. It was found that Red Spruce growth traits were not influenced by habitat fragment patch size (P > 0.05).

Field Methods: Great Smoky Mountains National Park has red spruce populations over a wide range of elevations. We were unable to find female cones on red spruce near the top of Clingman’s Dome at ~2000 m, but have located cone bearing trees from 910 m to 1865 m. We propose collect cones from three populations: 1) trail from Clingman’s Dome parking lot to Andrews Bald, 2) Road Prong trail, and 3) Balsam Mountain road. If permissible, we would also like to collect cones from turn-outs or along roads in the park where it may be done safely without interfering with traffic or having personnel on the road. Where possible we would use pole pruners to remove 1 to 3 clusters of cones with the goal of getting at least 20 cones from 10-15 trees in each of the populations noted on Figures 2 and 3. For cones on higher branches 25-50’, we would throw a line over a cone bearing branch using a slingshot and either shake cones down on to a tarp or use specialized, manual pull saw attached to a rope to cut the end off of a cone bearing branch. We have experience with this method and have collected from over one hundred trees in the last year using this approach.

This dataset results from systematic sampling on 60 randomly selected plots within the spruce-fir zone of GRSM. Researchers recorded the frequency and cover of 97 bryophyte species occurring on ground-layer substrates in spruce-fir forests, as well as tree density in mulitple strata, herbaceous layer composition and cover, and soil chemical properties. This database contains all raw data entered from paper datasheets, data acquired from GIS data layers, and data produced from post-field labwork such as tree core ring counts and soil chemical anaylses.

This dataset results from systematic sampling on 60 randomly selected plots within the spruce-fir zone of GRSM. Researchers recorded the frequency and cover of 97 bryophyte species occurring on ground-layer substrates in spruce-fir forests, as well as tree density in mulitple strata, herbaceous layer composition and cover, and soil chemical properties. This database contains all raw data entered from paper datasheets, data acquired from GIS data layers, and data produced from post-field labwork such as tree core ring counts and soil chemical anaylses.

Nighttime roadside spotlight counts of white-tailed deer in Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Nighttime roadside spotlight counts of white-tailed deer in Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Field Methods: Forest plot sampling of forest trees. Tree diameter at breast height is measured. Species and condition are noted.

Field Methods: Forest plot sampling of forest trees. Tree diameter at breast height is measured. Species and condition are noted.

This geospatial dataset contains location polygons for all forest types with Eastern Hemlock as a component in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Showing vegetation classified as Hemlock at dominant and co-dominant stages. This layer is derived from the GRSM Overstory Vegetation Map and is designed to provide a rough map of hemlock forest locations within Great Smoky Mountains National Park. All forest types defined in the Vegetation Map that have hemlock listed as a component have been clipped into this layer.

Wildflower phenology data recorded from 13 plots of 2 meter square, at The Purchase area and near Chimneys Picnic Area. Most data involve species in bloom and number of blooms per species per square, but other phenophases are also recorded on flowering and non-flowering plants for most plots. Chimneys Picnic Area data extends back to 2000, Purchase data to 2011 (previously certified).