Field Work Sampling Methods
The sampling methods for the purpose of collecting data on the species, density and
composition of the forest were completed as follows:
A starting point (a tree on the south slope) at the lower 1/3 contour of the drumlin at Sea
Hill was established. This tree was then recorded, and labeled. A 60 meter transect,
running perpendicular to the contour of the drumlin, was established via a tape measure and
flagging. The transect azimuth was recorded. The field workers then moved up the slope,
and if a tree over 5 cm Diameter Breast Height (DBH) fell within 3 meters of either the left
or right side, the following data was recorded - the species, the side of the transect that the
tree was on; the vigor of the tree (live, dead, sick, snag); the DBH, and the distance along
the transect (i.e. 32 meters up the slope from the base tree).
After the first sample transect was finished, a team moved along the contour of the
drumlin, and marked trees at 30 meter intervals. Sampling was limited to every other
transect because of time constraints, so for the 1996 data collection transects were spaced at
intervals of 60 meters, and the azimuth was recorded as parallel to the contour line. A total
of 29 transects were established before completely circling the drumlin and meeting the first
tree.
Data was collected in teams of two or three, one student recording data and the other one or
two measuring trees and identifying species.