After some large collections in the past several weeks the seed collection has slowed as we wait for the last of our lower elevation target species to reach the dispersal stage. At the moment my days are filled with driving from site to site, checking phenology, and on occasion getting a little lost. If I learn anything in this internship it ought to be using a map to get back where I am supposed to be. In this down time I have taken on a GIS project to identify sites for potential sagebrush seed collection. While it is frustrating at times it is nice to apply the skills I learned in a classroom setting, and that feeling of satisfaction when something works is more than worth it. Hopefully when I go out to verify these sites I find that it was a successful project.
Last week we were able to go visit another field office to see the process for planning for juniper treatments. The juniper trees have been spreading from their historic habitat into Sage Grouse habitat due to fire suppression and historic land use. We got to see sections that have not been treated, and then went to treated sites to observe how the recovery was progressing. It was interesting to see the decision making process on what type of treatment should be done where, especially since I had had the opportunity to read about the effects these treatments have on the native plant community. There is so much thought that has to go into the treatments and how to coordinate their completion that it is amazing that these plans are able to come together. I am excited that this internship gives me the opportunity to experience what goes into making rehabilitation and management plans. It is something I am extremely interested in, and I am hoping that after this summer I will know if it is something I wish to do in the future.
As seed collection comes to an end I am starting to learn about some of the projects I will be tackling in the upcoming weeks. I am excited to start sagebrush mapping and vegetation clearances, and to get acquainted with some new plants!
Sage-Grouse Chick
Seed collection at Macon Flat.
Bags of seed ready to send to Bend!