Field Observations in Golden,B.C.

For my field study, I chose to observe the Rotary Trail, a popular hiking and biking trail that winds along the Kicking Horse River in Golden, B.C. The study area is approximately 5 kilometers long, stretching from the town center of Golden to the base of the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. The trail follows the meandering course of the Kicking Horse River, offering stunning views of the turquoise waters and the towering peaks that surround the valley.

The topography of the area is a mix of flat riverbanks and gentle slopes, with the trail occasionally climbing to provide panoramic vistas of the river and the surrounding mountains. The vegetation along the trail is diverse, ranging from dense coniferous forests to pockets of deciduous trees and shrubs, as well as lush riparian areas dominated by willows and cottonwoods. I visited the site on a sunny afternoon ,March 24, when the snow had  started melting and the greenery just started to emerge. The weather was mild, and the trail was bustling with hikers, bikers, and nature enthusiasts.

Based on my observations, three potential research questions that could form the subject of a research project are:

1. How does the presence of recreational trails like the Kicking Horse River Trail impact the riparian ecosystem and the wildlife that rely on it?
2. What is the diversity of plant species along the Kicking Horse River Trail, and how does it vary with factors such as elevation, aspect, and proximity to the river?
3. How does the seasonal variation in water levels and flow rates of the Kicking Horse River affect the surrounding vegetation and ecosystem dynamics?