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).

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).

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).

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).

Field Methods: My work will test three predictions: (1) Hemlock decline alters nutrient cycling and decomposition rates. (2) Hemlock decline alters plant and soil communities, including microbial (bacteria and fungi) and soil arthropods (ants). (3) Hemlock decline and ant interactions with ecosystem processes will vary across elevation. To test my predictions, I will establish a series of 10- 20 m2 plots throughout the GSMNP to inventory and monitor hemlock stands. I will choose sites across a gradient of elevation throughout the park. Additionally I will classify each site based on its hemlock mortality (calculated using the percent of the hemlock crown remaining). Vegetation sampling: All overstory trees within plots will be identified to species and the diameter at breast height measured. All shrubs and tree saplings will be identified to species and the density of individual stems will be calculated. All hemlock seedlings within the plots will be counted. Within each of these 20 m2 plots, 10 randomly stratified 1 m2 subplots will be established for understory woody vegetation, herbs, and ferns, which will be identified to species, and percent groundcover will be estimated to determine density. I will compare community composition, richness, and structure (for the overstory trees) across each of the 20 m2 plots. Soil community sampling: To assess the soil community I will remove soil cores, sample ants, and take measurements of soils in situ at three locations within each 20 m2 plot. To monitor the ant community, I will lay out 10 pitfall traps within each plot, which will be left open for 48 hours. After this time, pitfall traps will be collected and taken to my lab to have the contents sorted and ants identified to species. I will collect 3 soil core samples per plot, to determine the abundance of soil microbial communities using qPCR, and to determine enzyme activity and microbial biomass in the soil. Soil samples will be taken back to the lab for detailed nutrient analysis including total nutrient content, nitrogen mineralization, and carbon evolution. Hemlock leaf litter will be collected and used to measure decomposition rates, using decomposition bags. Nine decomposition bags will be placed within each of the 20 m2 plots, and three bags will be removed after 3, 9, and 15 months. I will also collect in situ soil measurements including soil moisture, temperature, and respiration using a Li-Cor, and measurements will be compared across plots.

Field Methods: My work will test three predictions: (1) Hemlock decline alters nutrient cycling and decomposition rates. (2) Hemlock decline alters plant and soil communities, including microbial (bacteria and fungi) and soil arthropods (ants). (3) Hemlock decline and ant interactions with ecosystem processes will vary across elevation. To test my predictions, I will establish a series of 10- 20 m2 plots throughout the GSMNP to inventory and monitor hemlock stands. I will choose sites across a gradient of elevation throughout the park. Additionally I will classify each site based on its hemlock mortality (calculated using the percent of the hemlock crown remaining). Vegetation sampling: All overstory trees within plots will be identified to species and the diameter at breast height measured. All shrubs and tree saplings will be identified to species and the density of individual stems will be calculated. All hemlock seedlings within the plots will be counted. Within each of these 20 m2 plots, 10 randomly stratified 1 m2 subplots will be established for understory woody vegetation, herbs, and ferns, which will be identified to species, and percent groundcover will be estimated to determine density. I will compare community composition, richness, and structure (for the overstory trees) across each of the 20 m2 plots. Soil community sampling: To assess the soil community I will remove soil cores, sample ants, and take measurements of soils in situ at three locations within each 20 m2 plot. To monitor the ant community, I will lay out 10 pitfall traps within each plot, which will be left open for 48 hours. After this time, pitfall traps will be collected and taken to my lab to have the contents sorted and ants identified to species. I will collect 3 soil core samples per plot, to determine the abundance of soil microbial communities using qPCR, and to determine enzyme activity and microbial biomass in the soil. Soil samples will be taken back to the lab for detailed nutrient analysis including total nutrient content, nitrogen mineralization, and carbon evolution. Hemlock leaf litter will be collected and used to measure decomposition rates, using decomposition bags. Nine decomposition bags will be placed within each of the 20 m2 plots, and three bags will be removed after 3, 9, and 15 months. I will also collect in situ soil measurements including soil moisture, temperature, and respiration using a Li-Cor, and measurements will be compared across plots.

Data is an MS Access database of tables of in the field health evaluation of rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum) at one location that has a history of rhododendron decline.

Data is an MS Access database of tables of in the field health evaluation of rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum) at one location that has a history of rhododendron decline.