Option C — Field Botany

Req 8c6c3 — Recording a Nested Plot Inventory

8c6c3.
At each site, record observations about the soil and other influencing factors AND do the following. Then make a graph or chart to show the results of your studies.

This page is where the nested-plot method becomes real data. Start by writing down site conditions such as slope, moisture, shade, soil texture, disturbance, and anything else that helps explain why one site differs from the other.

Requirement 8c6c3a

8c6c3a.
Identify, measure, and map each tree in a 100-by-100-foot plot. (Measure the diameter of each tree larger than 3 inches in diameter at 4½ feet above the ground.)

The largest plot captures the canopy layer. Map each tree in a simple way so you can see spacing and species patterns. Measure diameter at breast height the same way for every qualifying tree.

Requirement 8c6c3b

8c6c3b.
Identify and count all trees and shrubs in a 10-by-10-foot plot within each of the larger areas.

This smaller plot focuses on the understory. Count individuals carefully and use the same plot size and method at both sites so your comparison stays fair.

Official Resources

🎬 Video: Tree Identification | Ask the Arborist (video) — https://youtu.be/7M4PUM_eIIQ

Tree Identification | Ask the Arborist (video)

Requirement 8c6c3c

8c6c3c.
Identify and count all broad-leaved plants (trees, shrubs, vines, and herbaceous plants) all plants (wildflowers, ferns, grasses, mosses, etc.) of a 4-by-4-foot plot within the 10-by-10-foot plot. Note: If individual plants like ferns, grasses and mosses cannot be clearly distinguished, make a reasonable estimate of area (square inches of cover) for each species and record that as an estimate within the 4 x 4 subplot.

The smallest plot shows the ground layer in detail. Some plants can be counted as individuals. Others, like mosses or dense grasses, are better recorded by estimated cover. Use the same approach at both sites and explain how you made your estimates.

Turning Results Into a Chart

A bar graph works well if you want to compare numbers of species or individuals. A simple table works well if you want to compare tree counts, shrub counts, and ground-layer cover side by side. Choose the format that makes your results easiest to explain.