In 1996 the ES class established an EMAN (Environmental Monitoring Network) 100 meter square plot in the Mt Taum Ecological reserve with the support of the Island Trust and Cate McEwan. The plot was surveyed and divided into 25 sub plots each 20 meters square. Each semester, beginning in the fall of 1997, ES classes examined one of these 20 by 20 meter plots. These were subdivided into 16 five meter square plots and each students was given the responsibility to conduct a detailed analysis of trees, ground cover, course and fine woody debris and soils. These data were assembled to give a detailed overview of the area, block by block. By 2005 15 of the blocks had been surveyed.
In 2001, while working with the students for Cowitchin Lake Secondary School, it was noted that these was no observed regeneration of the mature Douglas fir. Speculation suggested that deer may be responsible for browsing seedlings. Evening drives between Ganges and Fulford Harbour we had seen as many as 35 deer. We thought that keeping deer away from a plot under the firs might result in seedling growth.
We constructed a pen 10' by 10' by 7 ' high made from 6 inch rebar mesh sheets with a top cover of the same material. We labled the area a deed exclusion area and described the study. Over the past 14 years we have observed the enclosure and recorded regeneration of a number of plants, including fir seedlings that had not been seen before. This is ongoing study.
In 2001, while working with the students for Cowitchin Lake Secondary School, it was noted that these was no observed regeneration of the mature Douglas fir. Speculation suggested that deer may be responsible for browsing seedlings. Evening drives between Ganges and Fulford Harbour we had seen as many as 35 deer. We thought that keeping deer away from a plot under the firs might result in seedling growth.
We constructed a pen 10' by 10' by 7 ' high made from 6 inch rebar mesh sheets with a top cover of the same material. We labled the area a deed exclusion area and described the study. Over the past 14 years we have observed the enclosure and recorded regeneration of a number of plants, including fir seedlings that had not been seen before. This is ongoing study.