Blog Post 1: Observations
Study Area: Forested Park in Mississauga, ON
For my field research project, I have selected a forested park located near my home in Mississauga, Ontario. This park is an ideal location due to its rich biodiversity and varying topographical features, which provide a diverse range of habitats for different species.
Physical Description:
- Size and Location: The park covers approximately 20 hectares and is situated in the suburban area of Mississauga. It is bordered by residential neighbourhoods on one side and a small lake on the other, making it a transitional zone between urban development and natural landscape.
- Topography: The park’s topography is varied, with rolling hills, a small lake running along one edge, and several slopes of differing steepness. The highest point in the park offers a clear view of the surrounding area, while the lower areas near the lake are more humid and cooler.
- Vegetation: The park is primarily forested, with a mix of deciduous trees such as maples, oaks, and birches. The undergrowth is dense in some areas, particularly near the lake, where ferns, shrubs, and various wildflowers thrive. In contrast, the higher elevations have sparser vegetation, mainly composed of grasses and smaller shrubs.
- Designation: This park is a designated city park, open to the public year-round. It is a popular spot for hiking, bird-watching, and nature walks, with several well-maintained trails winding through the forested areas.
Observation Details:
- Date and Time: I visited the park on July 15th, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM.
- Weather: The weather was sunny and warm, with clear skies and a temperature of around 25°C. There was a light breeze, making it a comfortable morning for field observations.
- Seasonality: Being midsummer, the park was full of lush greenery and active wildlife. The seasonal conditions provided an excellent opportunity to observe a variety of plant and animal species in their peak growing season.
Potential Research Questions:
- How does the variation in elevation within the park influence the distribution and diversity of plant species?
- This question stems from the noticeable differences in vegetation between the lower, wetter areas near the creek and the drier, higher elevations.
- How does proximity to the creek affect the growth patterns of specific plant species, such as ferns and wildflowers?
- The creek creates a unique microenvironment that might support a different plant community than other parts of the park.
- How does human activity (e.g., trail usage) affect the distribution of plant species along the park’s trails?
- Observing the areas close to trails versus those deeper in the forest could provide insights into how human presence influences plant growth and distribution.