For this project, I decided to study and observe the Assiniboine Park and Forest. I decided to take two sections of these areas where I could study wild strawberries.
The forest is spread over an area of more than 700 acre and is a regional park here in Winnipeg. It is the biggest urban forest in Canada. The forest consists of multiple trails, consisting of oak and aspen trees, as well as wetlands, and a 12-acre pond, compasses an elevation of 225m-240m. Numerous plant and animal species may be found in these areas together, including a resident population of white-tailed deer and breeding birds. Given its area, it houses various wild plant species as well. It’s a place with an interactive zoo, huge forests, a historic pavilion, hundreds of acres of landscaped gardens, sculpture gardens, and a mini railroad.
Although I have visited these areas multiple times, I went to ‘study’ these areas in the summer of 2023. It was at 5:10pm, my drive was delayed due to traffic, yet it was still bright and sunny on August 18th. This is usually the time when strawberries can still be harvested.
I decided to study these plants as they are one of the most delicious plants for humans, very expensive I must say, and also an easy home-grown plant. It is interesting to note that strawberries can survive the winter in pots, so they are relatively easy to winterize. This was an interesting subject for me. I was fascinated to study them. What intrigued me was that the plants were growing wildly in the forest along the trail I walked, this was different as at home, they were being taken care of very delicate plants that would bear fruit. A fruit is grown organically, whilst the one in the park may have just grown from random seeds.
Questions –
How is the growth of strawberries impacted in a forest area, I had only observed strawberries in fields or in my home garden.
How does the temperature, soil, forest surroundings impact these plants?
Would the wildlife or as little as insects impact these plants?