Part 1: Date, Time, & Weather
Friday, June 23rd at 1:15pm. Weather was fairly clear skies, with a temperature of 74°.
Part 2: Site Description
My site is located relatively close to the Joppa Hill Farm loop trailhead. I decided to make my observations in the forested area right before you get to a large opening. This trail is about a five-minute drive from my house and somewhere I’m a frequent visitor. While I was here I heard and saw numerous birds and lots of chipmunks and squirrels rustling in the trees. I of course had to bring my dog along for my observations today; she smelled a lot more than I did. The main smell I had while observing was of cow manure which was not the most pleasant, but the trail starts right by the farm. Some tree species I saw included Sugar Maple, Elm, Beech, Pine, Birch, etc. The trail has a bit of erosion due to use and is mainly dirt gravel and larger chunks of rock. Some interesting things I saw also include some mushrooms and a lady slipper plant.
Part 4: Question Marathon
- What is the most abundant tree species in this area?
- What sort of invasive species are in this area?
- What is the most harmful invasive in this area?
- Who manages the invasive species?
- Who manages these trails?
- What sort of impact are humans having on this land?
- What tree species thrive in this area?
- What sort of local predators live in this area?
- Are graze species (deer) impacting this land?
- What sort of forest management practices happen here?
- How is this area being affected by the changing climate?
- How is human hiking changing the ecosystem?
- What animal species are most abundant?
- What is the soil quality like?
- What rock type is most abundant?
- Where is the nearest water source?
- What is the largest animal that lives in this area?
- What are the smallest animals that live in this area?
- Are humans or animals having a bigger impact on this area of land?
- How does being so close to a farm change the land (if at all)?
- Is this an old or new forest?
- Would a forester consider this a “healthy” and well-managed forest?
- What type of wildflowers can be found in this area?
- What birds live in this area?
- How can this area be better conserved/protected?
- When was the last large forest damaging event in this area?
Part 5: Who manages the Joppa Hill Loop Trail?
Joppa Hill Loop Trail is 120 acres which are located in and owned by the Town of Amherst and is under the management of the Amherst Conservation Commission. The Amherst Conservation Commission was established in 1968 under Chapter 36-A of the New Hampshire revised statutes “for the proper utilization and protection of the natural resources and for the protection of watershed resources” in the Town of Amherst. (“Conservation Commission | Town of Amherst NH.” www.amherstnh.gov, www.amherstnh.gov/conservation-commission. Accessed 23 June 2022.)
Part 6: Final Paragraph
After my first Wonder Blog entry, I had a few things spark my interest that I want to keep observing for the next couple of weeks. I’ve always been interested in invasive species and the management of those species. So going into the next couple of weeks I’m going to try to take a closer look at those species and the people in my community that help to manage and control them.