Plant Distribution at Oak Canyon Nature Center Oak Canyon Nature Center 6700 E. Walnut Canyon Rd. Anaheim, CA (714)

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1 Plant Distribution at Oak Canyon Nature Center Oak Canyon Nature Center 6700 E. Walnut Canyon Rd. Anaheim, CA (714) The Nature Center is located at 6700 E. Walnut Canyon Road, Just off Nohl Ranch Road, adjacent to the Anaheim Hills Golf Course. Plant Distribution at Oak Canyon Nature Center, Environmental Biology Lab, Fullerton College 1

2 Introduction: This is a two-part fact-finding exercise that will involve two separate field visits to the Oak Canyon Nature Center in Anaheim Hills, CA. The tasks we will be performing are meant to simulate the first stages of a scientific investigation which may or may not lead to anything of real interest. Background: An aerial survey of Oak Canyon suggests that the distribution of plants is not uniform within the canyon. Based on aerial photographs, there appears to be a concentration of trees or large shrubs at the canyon floor. The walls of the canyon appear to be sparsely populated especially on south-facing slopes. These observations are interesting, but we cannot be certain if they are meaningful or important not by aerial photography alone. Project Mission: The overall project mission is to discover the details in the plant distribution patterns within Oak Canyon. Based on an analysis of these findings, make a determination as to the magnitude and scope of ecological interest and importance of plant distribution in Oak Canyon. In order to accomplish this mission, the work will be performed on two separate visits. The mission of the first visit is to identify and begin to become familiar with the major plants residing in the canyon. Based on this discovery, develop a list of these plants. We will be needing this list for the next visit. The mission of the second visit is to plot the canyon-wide locations of the plants on our list. Expected Outcomes 1. The development of a useful and reasonably comprehensive listing of the major plants in Oak Canyon. 2. Initial exploration. 3. The development of a map that indicates the locations of the different plant types throughout the canyon. 4. If we discover that plant distribution patterns are interesting, we will develop multiple hypotheses that seek to explain our findings. Part I Work Plan Your instructor will lead you on a hike through parts of Oak Canyon. He / she will point out different plants along the way. Your job is to carefully inspect each plant and write down notes about the plant s interesting characteristics and adaptations. At the end of the hike, you will need to prepare a list of the plants encountered on the hike. Part I Deliverables At the discretion of your instructor, be prepared to deliver one, several, or all of the following types of submittals: Quiz Plant list Plant Distribution at Oak Canyon Nature Center, Environmental Biology Lab, Fullerton College 2

3 Part II Work Plan We will be plotting the locations of plants (by specific type) onto the topographic map (available at the end of this document). Your instructor will assign plant species to each student or to groups of students. Your job is to travel the canyon paths for the purpose of finding your assigned plant species and then plotting its location onto the topographic map. Your instructor will explain how to mark your map. Use the aerial photograph and your natural navigational abilities to estimate your whereabouts in the canyon. At the end of the session, the class will reassemble to share and discuss our findings. In the likely event that your findings have scientific interest, each student or team (depending upon how the instructor has organized the work) will prepare a minimum of five working hypotheses that attempt to explain your findings. Consider the following ideas while formulating your hypothesis: 1. Proximity to liquid surface water 2. Proximity to ground water 3. Compass orientation of the canyon slope with respect to the sun 4. Steepness of the slope 5. Presence or absence of shade 6. Competition or interference from other plants 7. Interference from animals 8. Features possessed by the plant that could help explain how the plant survives in its canyon location 9. Disturbance / interference by humans Plant Distribution at Oak Canyon Nature Center, Environmental Biology Lab, Fullerton College 3

4 Oak Canyon Distribution Study II Name Answers to these questions are worth up to 11 pts. Distribution map is worth up to 9 points = 20 pts. Please respond to the prompts below 1. Name of Plant or Animal 2. Description of its distribution in Oak Canyon in terms of: Slope face direction (north, south, east, west) (1 pt.) Slope steepness (gentle, medium, steep) (1 pt.) Elevation relative to the canyon floor, canyon wall, and ridgeline (1 pt.) Nearness to the creek (1 pt.) Clumped in groups, solitary or mixed (1 pt.) Association with other living things (1 pt.) Where it is NOT in Oak Canyon (1 pt.) 3. Useful Features: Considering where you found it, briefly describe several unique useful features that help it exploit specific opportunities while helping it to minimize exposure to environmental stress. (4 pts.) Plant Distribution at Oak Canyon Nature Center, Environmental Biology Lab, Fullerton College 4

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