On April 9th I was able to sample 19 plots at my study site. This is in addition to the 5 previous samplings for a total of 24 sample plots. The weather was a bit all over the place and as soon as I finished my 19th plot it started to hail and so it was time to go.
The study went smoothly though as I had an assistant help me find three sample plots at a time that I flagged and then went back to collect me data. I systematically moved through each plot collecting my data. I think that the 24 sample plots are a good representation of what is occurring at the study site.
I started to notice some patterns including that there seemed to be less signs of herbivory the closer that the plot was to the Wilna Thomas building. I also noticed that there were fewer signs of herbivory where the soil was thin on rocky outcrops making for smaller vegetation. I definitely saw certain species being eaten and certain species never showing signs of herbivory. I think this might be showing that my hypothesis is true and that the deer are selectively choosing certain species over others. I have some data analysis and research to do before I can be certain though.