Reflection: Excitement and Wonder

With the June Oil Pad data collected it is time for reflection.

On Tuesday our team was blessed with the additional assistance of the Warbler team: Erin and Cory.  They came to learn about how to collect vegetation data and in the process made finding our saplings easier.  They will be utilizing similar techniques on their transects learning about the vegetation in areas near Kirtland Warbler Nesting areas.

Given the rain Monday night and the cloudy start to the day we were rather wet upon laying out our transects (the white tape you see to the left).  However, we quickly had a source of joy in the form of finding our tallest tree thus far! It is a 53 cm tall Jack Pine~ more than half one meter).  Jack Pines are a very common tree in Northern Michigan, as they do not require much in terms of nutrients and they love sandy soils!

As Erin and I walked the transects to collect tree and shrub data we also came upon a rather large Gardner Snake.  Joseph was quick to jump in and pick up the creature for a photo and "rescue" us from the reptile.  As the photo shows we also learned that Rhino Rulers are great for assisting with snake capture and observations. We were thankful he moved the snake out of our plot area.  Notice the animated expressions!

The afternoon was very pleasant. After enjoying our lunch it was back to work to complete our last The photo site of the day.  This is the only location where we might have human caused damage ~ The field is a very enticing spot for snowmobiles accessing other trails.  With the minimal snow cover this winter, there were some broken stakes and saplings. However, several are re-sprouting.

Cookout down by the Lake 

The rest of the week has been dedicated to data analysis and trying to find trends. Underneath this work is a desire to understand how we can help bring restoration to these areas.  Each of us has a part in the reality of the degradation of these sites. Daily choices, whether we realize it or not has a cost on creation.  The balance between dominion and stewardship is a life long journey of understanding ~ There shall be more on this topic... Stay tuned!

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager exceptional for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God" Romans 8:18-21