2001 Monitoring Reports

 

Section I. Vegetation Survey

 

Part A. Remnant Management Area

Vegetation sampling as described in this section is necessary in order to document restoration activities, as well as help us make management decisions. Part A includes vegetation sampling across selected portions of the remnant management area (i.e., the approximately 125-acre corridor of Coffee Creek consisting primarily of remnant wooded lands). Part B includes vegetation sampling within the new native landscapes associated with the restoration area.

By the end of 1998, selective clearing had occurred across most of the remnant management area. By Spring 1999, most of the work was complete. In addition, most portions of these woods experienced a prescribed burn by the Fall 1999. In order to document these initial restoration activities, permanent sampling plots and straight-line transects were established within specific areas of the woodlands. Their locations are such that the different habitats and plant communities across the Preserve will be represented. Figure 1 (page 4 and inserted within an envelope at the back of this section) indicates the locations of all plots and transects established in 1998, in addition to the photo locations. Figure 2 (page 5 and inserted within an envelope in the back of this section) indicates the schedule of burn activities that have occurred throughout the Preserve since 1997.

Overall, the initial clearing and herbicide applications in these remnant timberlands have progressed very well. The woods are much more "open" and allow for more available light to reach the ground layer as planned, thereby increasing the floristic quality and diversity across the site.

 

Materials and Methods

 

Reconnaissance Inventories

In 1997, prior to establishing plot and transect locations, a general reconnaissance of the site was completed in March and in late summer for the purpose of initially cataloging the site. Reconnaissance surveys were also completed in 1998.

 

Plot Sampling

Plots were not sampled during the 2001 site visits.

 

Transect Locations

Vegetation was sampled along seven transects using a 0.25m 2 quadrat placed at 5-pace intervals. The location of each transect can be found in Figure 1 and is described in Appendix 1.

 

Transect Sampling Methods

Site visits took place on September 6, 10, and 13, 2001. Site visits for previous years took place on June 1, September 30 and October 1, 1998; June 2, June 14 and September 15,1999; and June 26 , June 27, and August 11, 2000. During each of these visits, quantitative plant sampling was conducted along the seven permanent straight-line transects. Each of these transects were sampled twice during the growing season in 1998 and once in 1999, 2000 and 2001. These transects are located within the woodlands along the creek corridor. A ½-inch diameter metal conduit pipe was driven into the ground to mark the starting point of each transect, and can be re-located with the aid of a metal detector. Along each transect, a 0.25m 2 quadrat was placed randomly at 5-pace intervals. The vegetation within each quadrat was identified and given a relative cover/abundance number from 1 to 5 as follows:

 

Cover/Abundance No.
Approximate Cover

1

 1 to 5 plants present

2

 5 to 25% cover

3

 25 to 75% cover

4

 common/scattered throughout

5

 ubiquitous

A useful method for determining the floristic quality of an area is through an analysis of the conservatism and diversity of species appearing in a plant inventory. Conservatism represents the degree to which an experienced field botanist has confidence that a given species is representative of a high-quality, remnant habitat (i.e., those natural areas with intact presettlement structure, composition, and processes). Native plants of a given region exhibit an observable range of conservatism. Therefore, each native species can be assigned a coefficient of conservatism (C value) ranging from 0 to 10, weedy to conservative, reflecting this disposition.

The Mean C is the average coefficient of conservatism for a site. The floristic quality index (FQI) is a statistic derived by multiplying Mean C by the square root of the number of species inventoried. In general, sites with FQI values less than 20 are degraded or derelict plant communities, or are very small habitat remnants. Sites with FQI values in the twenties through low thirties suffer from various kinds of disturbance, but generally have potential for habitat restoration and recovery. When sites have FQI values in the middle thirties or higher, one can be confident that there is sufficient native character present for the area to be at least regionally noteworthy. Sites with indices in the middle forties and higher are often also statewide significant natural areas (Wilhelm and Masters, 1996).

 

Results and Discussion

 

Composite Floristic Inventory

The 2001 inventory and floristic quality assessment results for the entire site, combining remnant areas (Transects 1-7) and new native landscape areas (Transects 8-12), can be found in Appendix 2. Appendix 3 lists the combined species inventory for the years 1997 – 2001. The FQI and Mean C values are illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 (below).

The graphs should be viewed in a way that compares the years where the same amount of effort was made. The 1997 and 1998 entire site inventory data should be compared separately from the 1999, 2000 and 2001 entire site inventory data. The 1997 data is based on reconnaissance surveys over the entire 175-acre Preserve throughout the year, and the 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2001 data includes only species from the transect sampling and inventory. The 1998 – 2001 data for Transects 1-7 and Transects 8-12 is comparable because it is taken only from the transect data, however in 1998 transects were visited two times per year and in 1999, 2000 and 2001 the transects were visited only once each year.

The FQI of the entire site and the transect data for Transects 1-7 and 8-12 show an initial peak in 1998 data, and a gradual rise between 1999 and 2001, meeting or exceeding the 1998 peak (Figure 3). The native mean C, as illustrated in Figure 4, also shows this same trend. This is consistent with what is expected after initial restoration activities on the site. The floristic quality index of Transects 8-12 in 2001 exceeds the 1998 results due to the conversion of mesic tall grass prairie from a monotypic pasture.

With every site visit during each growing season in 1997 and 1998, plant species were added to a general inventory of the entire remnant management area. In 1998, 95 more species were found than in 1997, bringing the total species list to 446, of which 344 are native. Between 1999 and 2000 an additional 52 species were added, bringing the species list to 498, of which 385 are native. In 2001, 17 additional species were added, bringing the total species list to 515, of which 399 are native (Appendix 3).

 


Figure 3. Floristic Quality Index data based on plot and transect inventory data of the entire site, remnant areas (Transect 1-7), and new native landscapes (Transects 8-12) from 1997 through 2001. In 1997, data was collected from reconnaissance surveys, not from transects.


Figure 4. Native Mean C based on plot and transect inventory data for the entire site, remnant areas (Transects 1-7), and new native landscapes (Transects 8-12) from 1997 through 2000. Transect data was not collected in 1997.

 

Transect Sampling

Appendix 4 is a summary of the Remnant Management Area data for transects 1-7. Figures 3 and 4 also depict the combined FQI and Mean C transect data. Individual transect data are presented for 1998-2001 in Figures 5-8 below. Corresponding data are presented in appendices listed later in this section.

 

Figure 5. Floristic Quality Index of the remnant areas (Transects 1-7) based on transect data sampled at Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve from 1998 through 2001.

 

Figure 6. Native Mean C values for the remnant areas (Transects 1-7) based on transect data sampled at the Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve from 1998 through 2001.

Figure 7. Percent native species in the remnant areas (Transects 1-7) based on transect data sampled at the Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve from 1998 through 2001.

 

Figure 8. Total species in the remnant areas (Transects 1–7) based on transect data sampled at the Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve from 1998 through 2001.

 

Transect 1

Transect 1 is located along a disturbed bluff in Plot 1. This area burned only sparsely in Spring 1999 due to a light fuel load. There was a drop in floristic quality values in 2001 from those in 2000, with a decrease in FQI, a slight dip in Mean C, a decrease in the total number of species, and a slight increase in the percent native species. This area has not been burned since Spring 1999 and no other maintenance has been done since the initial thinning. Pushing a burn through this area and removing resprouts will encourage a trend toward the native species rather than the weedy invaders. Appendix 5 presents the transect data.

 

Transect 2

Transect 2 is located in a mesic terrace between Plot 3 and the creek. This area burned only sparsely, due to the light fuel loads in Spring 1999. Overall, the floristic quality values are good, with a slight dip in FQI, Mean C and percent native species after initial thinning efforts. A general increase in these values since thinning efforts, with FQI surpassing 1998 values in the 2000 sampling and increasing again in 2001, indicates the area is progressing positively. Appendix 6 presents the transect data.

 

Transect 3

Transect 3 is located in the bottomland woods west of Transect 4. All of the floristic quality values increased in 2001 from the 2000 data, and are slowly rising toward 1999 and 2000 values. Due to the moist nature of these woods, fire does not carry consistently through them. Appendix 7 presents the transect data.

 

Transect 4

Transect 4 is located along a bluff in low-quality woods. Overall, the floristic quality values decreased in 2001 from those in 2000, in spite of the steady increase of the FQI and the total number of species in this area since the initial thinning in 1998. On the other hand, the Mean C rose slightly in 2001. During the Winter 2001-2002, woody control occurred to reduce the number of resprouts and volunteers. In January 2002, a moderately complete fire carried through these woods, which have not historically burned well due to woody density. Appendix 8 presents the transect data.

 

Transect 5

Transect 5 is located north of the pipeline right-of-way and runs through much of Plot 4. Overall, the results reflect a high-quality area both pre and post restoration activities. Portions of this area burned in Fall 1998, Spring 2001 and Fall 2001. The FQI and Mean C increased in 2001 as well as the percent of native species (100% native) and total species in the area. Appendix 9 presents the transect data.

 

Transect 6

This transect is located within low wet woods and extends through Plots 5 and 6. This area has improved considerably in quality since 2000. All floristic quality values increased in 2001 with the exception of the total number of species, likely because the weedy edge species have reduced. The area was burned in Spring 2001, which could explain the jump in FQI and Mean C values between 2000 and 2001. In addition, woody control of volunteers and resprouts occurred in Winter 2001-2002. The results of this work will be watched closely in 2002. With continued burns and woody control, the quality of the area is expected to rise. Appendix 10 shows the transect data from 2001.

 

Transect 7

Transect 7 is located across a bottomland terrace between Plots 7 and 8. The floristic quality values are high and reflect the diverse native flora present, some of which exists along a wet discharge zone along the adjacent bluff. No successful burning has occurred in this bottomland, although it was attempted in Spring 2001 and Fall 2001. The FQI and Mean C values are fairly consistent, dropping slightly after initial restoration efforts and slowly rising again, until they dropped again in 2001. Exotic species are targeted for additional control along the edge of the path and the Preserve boundary in this area. Appendix 11 presents the transect data.

 

Part B. New Native Landscapes

 

Introduction

Plant introductions within the new native landscapes were started in the late Spring 1998 through the early Fall 2000. Seeding of the mesic and prairie communities in phase one began in the beginning of June 1998 and plug planting began in mid-June. Approximately 150,000 plugs and several hundred pounds of seed were planted within the new native landscape areas including mesic prairie, mesic savanna, wet prairie, and moranic swamp wetland. The initial planting of these areas was made difficult due to the construction delays within the Preserve. Because of the desire to allow plant communities maximum time to mature before final construction, seeding and plugging began before the construction of level spreaders, walking paths, bridges, pavilion, overlook features, and creek restoration work. Construction infringement in new native landscape as well as remnant areas required some follow up planting. Construction infringement will continue to impact the edges of the Preserve boundary until the Coffee Creek Center build out is complete.

Plugs of native species were grown and cared for at the J.F. New and Associates Native Plant Nursery in Walkerton, Indiana. Where possible, local genotype of native species was propagated. Seed was collected from remnant areas in the region and in some cases, where species could not be found locally, were bought from other vendors and propagated. Most of the plugs propagated were in the 2-inch to 2½-inch size category, although for some species, specialized plug sizes were used.

 

Materials and Methods

Site visits took place in late summer, on September 6, 10 and 13, 2001. Site visits for previous years were made on August 11, 2000, September 15, 1999 and on August 20 and September 8, 1998. During each of these visits, quantitative plant sampling was conducted along the five permanent straight-line transects. These transects were initially sampled after the areas that were seeded and planted had one to several months to grow. A ½" diameter metal conduit pipe was driven into the ground to mark the starting point of each transect. The pipe can be re-located with the aid of a metal detector. Along each transect, a 0.25m 2 quadrat was placed randomly at various (three to five) paced intervals. The vegetation within each quadrat was identified and given a relative cover/abundance number from 1 to 5 as follows:

 

Cover/Abundance No.
Approximate Cover

1

 1 to 5 plants present

2

 5 to 25% cover

3

 25 to 75% cover

4

 common/scattered throughout

5

 ubiquitous

 

Results and Discussion

Appendix 12 is a summary of the New Native Landscape transect data (Transects 8-12). Figures 3 and 4 also depict the summed FQI and Mean C transect data. Individual transect data are presented for 1998-2000 in Figures 9-12 below. Corresponding data are presented in appendices later in this section.

 


Figure 9. Floristic Quality Index of the new native landscape areas (Transects 8-12) based

on transect data sampled at Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve from 1998 through 2001.

 


Figure 10. Native Mean C of the new native landscape areas (Transects 8-12) based on
transect data sampled at the Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve from 1998 through 2001.

 


Figure 11. Percent native species in the new native landscape areas (Transects 8-12) based
on transect data sampled at the Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve from 1998 through 2001.



Figure 12. Total species in the new native landscape areas (Transects 8-12) based on
transect data sampled at the Coffee Creek Watershed Preserve from 1998 through 2001.

 

Transect 8

Transect 8 is located in the "Cottonwood Cathedral" and new prairie, north and west of the "Tuning Fork." The prairie portion of this transect was seeded in 1998, the first year of prairie planting at Coffee Creek. The results reflect a diverse area with some disturbance near the edge. The floristic quality values increased considerably between 2000 and 2001, with the exception of the slight drop in Mean C for the area. This area was burned in the early Spring 1998, 2000 and 2001. Supplemental seeding occurred in the Fall 2001. Cool season grasses have been reduced in this area but continued work targeting exotic species via herbicide application and burning is necessary. The floristic quality assessment results are presented in Appendix 13.

 

Transect 9

Beginning at the cluster of four white oaks, this transect traverses the edge of the oak bluff, a small slice of land outside the Preserve, and its longest stretch runs through the oldest prairie planting at Coffee Creek (Spring 1998). In general, the floristic quality values for the area all improved or stayed the same in 2001. The FQI dropped considerably in 1999, due to an increase in some exotic species in the small area outside of the Preserve; however, it has improved every subsequent year, including 2001. The Mean C remained high although it did not increase as the other quality values did. The prairie was burned again in Spring 2001 and the edge of the bluff in Fall 2001. Future prairie burns may more appropriately be conducted on two to three year rotations now that the prairie is well established. The floristic quality assessment results are presented in Appendix 14.

 

Transect 10

This transect runs through the perched wetland east of the pond. Although this area had shown declining trends in floristic quality since 1998, all floristic quality values increased in 2001. As discussed in past reports, the declining trends were likely due to lack of water due to reduced recharge of the watershed (its primary hydrology source) during the lower than normal precipitation years of 1999 and 2000. With the lack of water, many of the emergent and aquatic species disappeared and were replaced with pioneer (early successional) and non-native species. Reed canary grass, an invasive, is one species that has really spread during these years of lower water levels, but control of this species has continued to be a focus of restoration efforts. As of late Winter 2002, water levels have returned, hopefully encouraging native species to return. Emphasis on chemical control of reed canary grass will continue in 2002. Small portions of this area burned in Spring 1998, late Fall 1999, Spring 2000 and Spring 2001. The floristic quality assessment results are presented in Appendix 15.

 

Transect 11

This transect runs through the edge of the savanna north and west of the perched wetland. Floristic quality values improved considerably in 2001, although originally they were very low. Prior to restoration work, this area was densely overgrown with multiflora rose and honeysuckle. Little or no herbaceous vegetation was present and there is evidence of severe overgrazing in the past. Continued burning, herbicide work, and additional enhancement of native grasses continues to be a focus of restoration efforts. This area has carried moderately complete burns in Spring 1998, late Fall 1999, Spring 2000, Spring 2001, and early Spring 2002. The floristic quality assessment results are presented in Appendix 16.

 

Transect 12

This transect runs through the swale north of the perched wetland. Similar to Transect 11 in its pre-restoration appearance, the floristic quality was originally low; however, has been improving and increased again in 2001, with the exception of the Mean C, which dropped. Seed rain from the successful prairie planting immediately to the east of this transect has been reflected in the increased FQI and Mean C values. It is expected that with continual burning, herbicide work and supplemental seeding, the quality of the site will continue to show signs of improvement. The northern area was seeded in Fall 2001. Portions of this area burned in Spring 1998, late Fall 1999, Spring 2000 and Spring 2001. The floristic quality assessment results are presented in Appendix 17.