Blog Post 1: Observations

Description of Study Area: The section of Churchill Drive Park Trail chosen for this study spans approximately 5.3 kilometers along the eastern bank of the Red River in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. The trail leads along a gravel path along the curve of the Red River, which then turns to wood chips after going west under the Osborne Street Bridge. The area features a flat topography with occasional gentle slopes towards the riverbank. Vegetation consists mainly of mature trees, including poplars and elms, lining the river, with patches of grassy areas and shrubs along the walking trail. There are also stretches along the trail where over 1000 new trees have been planted over the last 2 years with the intent of replicating the river-bottom habitat, with understory, middle-story, small trees and big trees. Some of the species include: Manitoba maple, Saskatoon, Delta hackberry, Red-osier dogwood, Bur oak, Silver buffaloberry, American linden, Nannyberry and Peachleaf willow.

There are often sightings of various birds, rabbits, deer and even a family of foxes around the trail. This stretch of Churchill Drive is part of the urban landscape of Winnipeg, characterized by residential areas nearby and occasional small parks.

Date, Time, and Weather Conditions: I visited the site on July 2nd, 2024, during the summer season. The weather was sunny with temperatures around 21°C , creating a pleasant environment for outdoor activities. The river’s water level was higher than usual, due to the large amounts of rain we have received this year.

Potential Subjects for Research:

1. What are the habitat preferences of different bird species along Churchill Drive Trail? How do vegetation structure, proximity to water, and urbanization affect habitat selection?
2. How has urbanization affected the vegetation composition and biodiversity along the riverbank of Churchill Drive?
3. What are the patterns of visitor use along Churchill Drive Trail, and how do these impact wildlife?