Yesterday we spent the day helping with data collection for\u00a0a study on the restoration of pollinator habitats in California.\u00a0 Researchers have created different mixes of native\u00a0wildflowers that are attractive to pollinators.\u00a0\u00a0 From what I understand, one goal is to identify a mix of easy-to-manage plants that will support a diverse group of pollinators throughout the year.<\/p>\n
We have four different plots planted with different mixes here at the PMC and a group of researchers came down to collect data.\u00a0 I was very excited to learn about the project and help\u00a0out.\u00a0 My fellow CLM intern and I were set to work collecting data on flower counts across several transects through both mowed and unmowed areas.\u00a0 Around this time of year, poppies (Eschscholzia californica<\/em>), sunflowers (Helianthus bolanderi<\/em>), gumplants (Grindelia camporum<\/em>), and madia (Madia elegans<\/em>)\u00a0are all in flower.<\/p>\n Madia was densely distributed throughout the unmowed\u00a0areas in one of the plots. The plant is fragrant, can grow to about 2.5 meters in height, and is sticky.\u00a0\u00a0Very, very sticky.\u00a0 Navigating through\u00a0the dense maze of madia with a quadrat was quite the challenge.\u00a0 By the time we were done with our sampling, we were covered in plant material and sticking to everything.\u00a0 It just serves as a reminder that although a plant may be highly beneficial and useful for some purposes (like attracting pollinators), there can be unforeseen challenges in managing that plant.\u00a0 Nonetheless, it was quite interesting to see some of the considerations that go into\u00a0deciding which\u00a0plants should be used for these projects.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Yesterday we spent the day helping with data collection for\u00a0a study on the restoration of pollinator habitats in California.\u00a0 Researchers have created different mixes of native\u00a0wildflowers that are attractive to pollinators.\u00a0\u00a0 From what I understand, one goal is to identify … Continue reading