Forest Ecology Research Plot
on the University of California Santa Cruz Campus Natural Reserve

In the last few decades, a network of large, mapped plots of forest communities has transformed our understanding of the ecology of tropical forests (see the Center for Tropical Forest Science for more information). Currently, however, there are few such plots in temperate regions that allow detailed studies of the spatial and temporal dynamics of forest communties.

In 2007, the Gilbert lab (with support from NSF DEB-0515520) mapped all the trees and shrubs (31 species and 8,175 individuals with diameter ≥ 1cm) on a 6-ha (~15 acres) research plot in the mixed evergreen forests on the Campus Natural Reserve on UCSC campus.

The plot is just a 25-min walk from Science Hill laboratories, and will provide unique opportunities for research and teaching at UCSC. The plot is designed to be open to a researchers from many disciplines for research on spatial and temporal aspects of forest ecology. To support this research, we have begun to collect environmental and phenological data, as well as species lists and descriptions for various taxa.

We welcome collaborating researchers from UCSC and elsewhere to use the plot for non-destructive research that complements ongoing efforts. The Gilbert lab is currently analyzing the data from the initial mapping, and plans to make the plot data freely availble on this site sometime in early 2008.

Contact Greg Gilbert at ggilbert <at> ucsc.edu for more information

Each of the 31 species on the plot are mapped to a resolution of about 10 cm, measured, identified, and tagged. This facilitates studies on biotic interactions, growth, demography, natural disturbances, climate change, population genetics, and more.

Such studies will provide valuble data for conservation and management of California's coastal forests.