Protocols for Monitoring Copeland Creek These protocols were developed by students of ENSP 423, Restoration Ecology, under the supervision of Caroline Christian and Wendy St. John during the Fall, 2016, semester. The results and raw data from the 2016 surveys are available in an Excel file: https://drive.google.com/open? id=1kbgYpTB9j2WqjFHAa6gb8n1i4saYuhDbJ_y_8RJwoPU Table of Contents Water Quality and Aquatic Community 2 Copeland Creek Streambed Morphology 5 Canopy Vegetation 11 Understory Vegetation 13 Vertebrates and Wide-ranging Species 27 “Problem” Species 42
Transcript
Protocols for Monitoring Copeland CreekThese protocols were developed by students of ENSP 423, Restoration Ecology, under the supervision of Caroline Christian and Wendy St. John during the Fall, 2016, semester. The results and raw data from the 2016 surveys are available in an Excel file: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1kbgYpTB9j2WqjFHAa6gb8n1i4saYuhDbJ_y_8RJwoPU
Table of Contents
Water Quality and Aquatic Community 2
Copeland Creek Streambed Morphology 5
Canopy Vegetation 11
Understory Vegetation 13
Vertebrates and Wide-ranging Species 27
“Problem” Species 42
Water Quality and Aquatic CommunityMichael Lutz & Niall Ogburn
Taking Water Quality Measurements
Throughout the semester, we tested the temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH and nitrate levels in the creek.
Materials:● LabQuest Computer● LabQuest Temperature Rod Attachment● LabQuest Dissolved Oxygen Probe Attachment● Data sheet● Master kit which includes test tubes, pH solution, high pH solution, ammonia
solution, Nitrite solution, Nitrate solution #1, Nitrate solution #2, Color match card
Methods: ● Water was collected from the large pool that is the source of water for Copeland
Creek during the dry season (see map below).
● We used a LabQuest 2 to measure temperature and dissolved oxygen, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Measurements were taken from the middle of the pool, by dipping the temperature rod about 4 inches beneath the water’s surface.
● We collected 10 mL of creek water, and tested the pH and nitrate levels with an API freshwater master test kit, as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
● These measurements were repeated several times throughout the semester
Assessing the Aquatic Community
To assess the aquatic community we sampled both benthic macroinvertebrates, as well as fish species in the creek. The first objective of our project was to find out if the nitrogen, pH, dissolved oxygen, and temperature levels in the creek were appropriate to sustain a habitat suitable for steelhead trout as well as other native taxa within the creek. Our second objective was to observe and trap fish, both native and invasive species.
Materials:● Aquarium fish net● Metal strainer with fine wire mesh● Multiple 2-liter plastic bottles● Knife or scissors● Bait (e.g. chicken meat, liver, hotdogs)● Jars filled with ethanol ● Dichotomous key
Methods:
● Aquatic organisms were sampled in the same location as the water samples (see map above).
● To sample macroinvertebrates, we used a metal strainer to scoop up substrate and leaf litter from the creek bottom, and then carefully examined the sample in the bottom of a flat, white-bottomed tray. We also temporarily displaced rocks and captures invertebrates with a dip net. At least one specimen per species was collected, and preserved in ethanol.
● To assess fish species, we constructed traps from 2 liter soda bottles (see instructions below), baited with chicken meat. Traps were set in water 1 - 2 feet deep, and left for 24 hours. Fish were also hand caught using standard aquarium nets. One specimen per species was collected and preserved in ethanol. Please note: native species should not be collected. They should be photographed and released back into the creek.
● To construct traps: ○ Cut off the tops of the 2L plastic bottles where the bottle first reaches its
roundest section, usually right above the label on the bottle (to catch larger species, you may cut off the cap section farther down to create a larger entrance, but this will also make it easier for fish to escape the trap)
○ Place bait in the open bottle, along with a few small rocks to help weigh the bottle down
○ Remove and discard the cap○ Invert the top of the bottle and fit it back into the open bottle, and staple
the two pieces together○ To remove any specimens that are trapped, remove the staples and
remove the inverted cap
Water Quality Data Collection Worksheet
Date Nitrate Dissolved oxygen
pH Temperature
Copeland Creek Streambed MorphologyJordan DeSilva and Jasmin Perdue
We surveyed Copeland creek channel morphology and cobble size distribution along three perpendicular transect lines located within the portion of the creek running through Sonoma State University. By developing surveying techniques, we hope to make possible yearly/bi-yearly monitoring of the morphology of the creek channel to observe the changes in depth, width, and bank slope all of which affect water quality and available habitat. The ongoing monitoring will provide the data needed to plan for erosion management.
Locations:Site 1 (Butterfly Garden)Backsite GPS = 38”20’34N and 122”40’19W The backsight measurement should be taken directly on the handle of the small man hole cover. Distance from PVC to backsite = 15.58mDistance from PVC to N.E. corner of garden shed = 19.44mDistance from PVC to the nearest Valley Oak east of the PVC = 3.38m
Site 2 (Ponds)Backsight GPS = 38 20”35’N and 122 40’20”WThe backsight measurement should be taken directly over the manhole cover handleDistance from PVC to backsight = 22.5mDistance from PVC to east corner of message board = 15.35mDistance from PVC to south edge of dirt path = 13.3m
Site 3 (Art Building)Backsite GPS = 38°20'35.31"N and 122°40'32.77"WThe backsight measurement should be taken directly on the handle of the large manhole cover.Distance from PVC to backsight = 22.75mDistance from PVC to second drain pipe right of art building back door = 22.5mDistance from PCV to corner of art building that is nearest the reserved parking lot = 35.7m
Creek Channel Morphology
Materials:● 100 m measuring reel● Surveyor’s tri pod● Auto level● Surveyor’s stadia rod● Data sheets (attached)● Pencil● Pendulum● Loppers● GPS unit
Methods:
● We selected transect lines using parameters useful in morphology surveying that include selecting places of obvious redirection or disturbance of the channel where impacts of erosion and sedimentation may have larger impacts, and locations with reliable structural data that can be used as references for relocating the locations
● We animated the morphology of the Copeland Creek channel at the three transect lines using simple auto level and stadia rod measurements to calculate multiple elevations
○ In groups of four, gather all needed materials and locate the three transect locations given. The locations are marked with PVC piping that mark the beginning and end of the three separate transect lines. Permanent back sites were selected, along with two other permanent locations in order to triangulate the PVC location should they ever be removed (locations listed above)
○ Center tripods directly over the south-most PVC piping ○ Attach auto level to the tripod and hang the pendulum from the hook
underneath the tripod, and move the tripod until the pendulum hangs directly over top the PVC
○ Locate the permanent backsight and measure the height of the tripod from it. One person places the rod at the back site location for site #1. A second person looks through the auto level and read the number seen in the center of the cross hairs on the rod. A third person records the data. (NOTE: the height of the instrument is the reading plus 100m. This is important when calculating the elevations later)
○ Connect one end of the transect line the underside of the tripod and run the other to the opposite PVC pipe for the entirety of the measurements. (NOTE: Loppers may need to be used to clear a straight path for the line)
○ Take and record measurements every .5m; once the slope starts to increase (or when there is a peculiar element within the transect) take
Example of Excel graph:
measurements every .25m. Record both the distance along the transect line and the foresight. Continue measuring until you reach the far PVC pipe
○ Use instrument height readings, distance readings, and foresight readings to calculate elevation. Subtract each foresight reading from the height of the instrument
● Excel was used to compare a table of elevations and their respective distances to produce three separate graphs that portray the morphology of the cross-sections for November 2016. We then compared the graphs to notice reasonable statements concerning thalweg elevation, bank peak elevation, and bank incise
○ Make a data table for each site, with the distances in one column and the respective elevations in an adjacent column
○ Create a line graph using this data (distance on the x-axis and elevation on the y-axis). The graph should illustrate the shape of the transect
Cobble Size Distribution
Materials: ● Rulers● 100 m reel● Data Sheets● Callipers● Flag Markers● PVC pipes
Methods:
● We took a cobble size distribution along the same three transect lines along Copeland Creek. Transect line was marked with flags from one edge of the bank to the other
● We measured the longest, intermediate, and shortest axis using calipers or a ruler
● Measurements were used to calculate volumes, using
the equation for the volume of an ellipsoid V= 43πabc.
Volumes were used to determine a size class of cobbles, boulder, or bedrock
○ Bedrock = 1000 cm3 or more● We created graphs to compare cobble size distribution
○ We After calculating the volumes for each transect you will need to determine the distribution class for each pebble. For these purposes we are determining pebbles with a volume less that 100 cm3 cobbles, 100-999 cm3 boulder, and more than 1000 cm3 bedrock. After determining distribution class you may then graph your data comparing all 3 transect lines. Count the number of pebbles in each distribution class and make a table comparing size class to the transects (see table 1.2).
Streambed Morphology Data Collection Sheet
Table 1.1
Cobble Distribution Size Data Collection Worksheet
A = Longest Axis (Length) B = Intermediate Axis (Width)C = Shortest Axis (Thickness)
● Map containing transect locations● Spherical densiometer (Model-A)● Tally counter – clicker ● Measuring tape● Meter stick● Data sheets/pencil/clipboard● Compass● PVC pipe and bright spray paint● Transect tape ● Flags/nails
Methods:● Six transect points were identified along the south side of the creek, and marked
with spray paint and a PVC pipe● From the beginning point of a transect, we faced north, and hooked a transect
line into place with a nail. The tape was walked north until we came to the edge of a bank where the ground begins to drop off. This marks the end of the line
● One partner recorded data while the other read off densiometer counts, species names of trees and measurements of their diameter at breast height
● Shade measurements were performed with the densiometer at 3 m intervals along the transect line.
● Each measurement started at 0 m. We faced one direction (N, S, E, W) at a time and used a clicker to keep count of the dots seen at that point, as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
● We also recorded tree species and their diameters at breast height (DBH), by walking each transect line with a meter stick, and recording each tree whose base falls within 1 m to the left or right of the transect, along with its location on the line. We measured the DBH of each tree in centimeters with a tape measure. Any trunk less than 1 cm in diameter was counted as a sapling. We ignored overhanging branches of trees whose bases do not fall within range of the transect. Baseline DBH measurements were recorded by an individual standing 5’8”.
● We created 3 graphs to visualize the data: two bar graphs (one for percent shade, and one for average DBH), and a scatter plot representing average DBH against percent shade
Understory VegetationJana Johnston and Jessi Laughlin
We quantified vegetation along 7 transects of Copeland Creek and measured invasion of Himalayan Blackberry. The success of restoration efforts of understory vegetation largely depends on the removal and long term control of Himalayan Blackberry. Herbaceous species’ absolute and relative cover were measured using point intercept, and we also measured whole plot species richness of herbaceous species. Percent cover of shrubs was measured by using a line intercept method as well as measuring average shrub height.
Materials:CompassRopeClicker for countingMeasuring wheelMetal tape measureMeter stickPvc pipeSpray paintMallet
Methods: ● Data was collected along seven transects (see map above). Data was collected
along the transects for herbaceous and shrub species. We used GPS coordinates and monumenting data to locate transect points. Once located we documented transects by staking a piece of pvc pipe into the ground and also by spray painting an arrow on the ground.
● To set up transects we used a measuring wheel extending from the creek trail to the top of the bank facing north. We used a compass to ensure transect was
facing north. For all data collection we started measurements at 0.5m in to avoid edge effects
● We collected a sample and recorded any unknown species on our unknown species master list. The master list includes as many details as possible including a description, zone and transect number as well as location along transect. We collected a small sample of each plant, wrapped masking tape around stem, labeled with transect number and species number (Ex. 1-1) and placed in a plastic bag. We put all plant samples in a fridge to ensure survival until we could properly identify them using a Jepson manual
● To measure absolute and relative cover of herbaceous species we used a point intercept method. First we located and set up transect line perpendicular to creek facing north. We placed a flag at every half meter, starting at 0.5m, documenting what plant(s), if any, it touched. At same points, we used a tape measure to measure 5cm away from flag and recorded what plant(s), if any, were within 5cm radius of flag
● To measure whole plot richness of herbaceous species we will be documenting species within one meter of the transect. To avoid bias we flipped a coin to decide which side of each transect to measure; we only measured one side of each transect. We walked along the designated side of the transect line holding a meter stick perpendicular to transect and recorded name of all herbaceous species present
● To measure percent cover of shrub species we used a line intercept method. Along same transect line starting at 0.5m, we measured shrub species foliage overlapping the transect. ( Ex. 0.68m to 0.73m). We calculated total cover based on measurements (Ex. 0.73m - 0.68m = 0.05m). Using same transect line and a tape measure, we measured vertical height in cm of shrubs (if any) at every 2 meters. We used “Line Intercept Transect Calculations” form to calculate percent cover of each species
● We did not collect this data in fall 2016 because we have yet to locate and identify all native plants with some plants to still be planted
● For future data collection on invasion of Himalayan Blackberry use the following methods:
○ Locate plants marked by fencing and pink flags○ Measure a one meter radius around each plant using a meter stick and lay
down a piece of rope circling the plant○ Record the amount of blackberry canes within this radius. Using the
clicker, have one person count the number of canes that occur in your plot. This includes canes that are rooted outside of your plot but are growing into them. Do not count the same cane twice. Dead canes are not included in this count, measure live growth only
○ In plots where there is excessive cover, this data will be measured after plots have been cleared of biomass by counting the number of canes extending from a clipped rootstalk
Materials: ● Data sheets, pencil, and
clipboard● Measuring wheel● Metal tape measure
● Meter stick● Compass● Rope
● Counter● 7 1-2 ft pieces of PVC pipe● Spray paint● Mallet
● Pin flags● Masking tape● Nails● About 10 Ziploc bags
Methods:1. Setting Up Transect Lines:
● Use GPS location, monumenting data and compass to locate point for beginning of transect line.
● Use a mallet to hammer a piece of PVC pipe into the ground to mark the location of your transect. Also use spray paint to paint an arrow pointing to your PVC pipe.
● Place a nail in the ground directly in front of the PVC pipe, hook the end of the measuring wheel onto the nail to hold it in place.
● One group member will use a compass to direct the group member with the measuring wheel north (should be relatively perpendicular to creek). The person with the measuring wheel will walk North until the top of the bank (where it starts to slope down into the creek bed).
● Lock the measuring wheel and leave it at the top of the bank. Record the length of the transect.
● Same transect lines will be used for all of the following data collection methods.
2. Point Intercept Transect - Herbaceous Species: ● Use data sheet labeled “Point Intercept Transect - Herbaceous Species”. Be sure
to fill in all information at the top of the page.● Place flag at every half meter along the transect documenting what plant(s), if
any, it touches. (Start at .5m to avoid edge effects). If no plants are intercepted record as bare ground.
● Use metal tape measure to measure 5cm away from flag and record what plant(s), or bare ground, are within a 5 cm radius of the flag.
3. Line Intercept Transect - Shrub Species:
● Use data sheet labeled “Line Intercept Transect - Shrub Species”. Be sure to fill in all information at the top of the page.
● Along same transect line starting at .5m, measure shrub species foliage overlapping the transect. ( Ex. .68m to .73m).
● Calculate total cover based on measurements. (Ex. .73m - .68m = .05m)● Using same transect line and metal tape measure, measure vertical height in cm
of shrubs (if any) at every 2 meters.● Use data sheet labeled “Line Intercept Transect Calculations” to calculate and
record percent cover of each species.
4. Whole Plot Richness- Herbaceous Species: ● Use data sheet labeled “Whole Plot Richness- Herbaceous Species”. You can
use the same data sheet to record all transect lines, just be sure to properly label each one.
● Flip a coin or other item to decide whether you will be measuring the East or West side of the transect.
● Walk along the designated side of transect line holding a meter stick perpendicular to transect and record all herbaceous species present within this area.
5. Unknown Species Master List: ● Use data sheet labeled “Unknown Species Master List” to record any unknown
species encountered during data collection.● Take small sample of plant, be sure to include all plant parts (leaves, stem,
flowers…) wrap masking tape around stem, label with transect number and species number (Ex. 1-1) and place in a plastic bag.
● Include as many details as possible in the description section. ● Place all plant sample in a refrigerator until you can identify them. Use a Jepson
manual for plant identification when possible.
6. Invasion of Himalayan Blackberry:● Use data sheet labeled “Invasion of Himalayan Blackberry”. Be sure to fill in all
information at the top of the page.● To measure blackberry species near native plants first locate plants marked by
fencing and pink flags. ● Measure a one meter radius around each plant using a meter stick and lay down
a piece of rope circling the plant representing the one meter radius. ● Using the clicker, have one person count the number of Blackberry canes that
occur in your plot. This includes canes that are rooted outside of your plot but are growing into them. * See below for more information on blackberry canes.
● * A cane is simply a branch of blackberry. Dead canes are not included in this count, measure live growth only. In plots where there is excessive cover, this data will be measured after plots have been cleared of biomass by counting the number of canes extending from a clipped rootstalk.
7. Analysis: ● Provide a list of the figures, tables, images that need to be created with each lab
write up.● Point Intercept Transect - Herbaceous Species:
○ Use the following table to compile data to make graph.○ Use data for plants within 5 cm radius NOT the plants actually intercepted
by the flag.○ Create two graphs, one for absolute cover and one for relative cover.
Species # Intercepts Absolute Proportion
Absolute Cover
Relative Proportion
Relative Cover
#1 # (# intercepts for species/ total # intercepts)
(Absolute proportion X 100= %)
(# intercepts for species/ # of flag drops (including bare ground)
(Relative cover X 100= %)
#2 # (# intercepts for species/ total # intercepts)
(Absolute proportion X 100= %)
(# intercepts for species/ # of flag drops (including bare ground)
(Relative cover X 100= %)
Totals:
Total # of Intercepts (not bare ground)
(Total should be 1)
(Can exceed 100%)
(Total should be 1) (Total should be 100)
Example graph:
Figure 1 – Absolute cover of species in zone 4, transect 1, south. Relative cover is identical.
● Line Intercept Transect - Shrub Species: ○ Use the following table to compile data to make graph.○ Use percent cover from “Line Intercept Transect Calculations” datasheet.
Species: % Cover:
Example graph:
Figure 2 – Shrub cover of species in zone 4, along transect 1, south.
● Whole Plot Richness- Herbaceous Species:○ Use the following table to compile data to make graph.
Transect #: # of Species:
Example graph:
Figure 3 – Overall species richness of the transects from each zone.
● Unknown Species Master List:○ Use the “Unknown Species Master List” to make the following table.
Zone #: Transect #: Sample #:
Vertebrates and Wide-ranging SpeciesPaolo Solari, Amy Unruh, Danielle Wegner, and Beverly Wong
Measuring Species Richness & Abundance of Birds
Materials:● 1-2 pairs of binoculars● A counter● A tape recorder● Data sheets, pencil, and clip board● A bird book, the Merlin Bird ID app (free to download on both iPhones and
Androids), and/or other internet resources
Methods:● Visit the creek at different times of day: morning and afternoon. At the beginning
of each walk, record starting time. ● Walk at a reasonable pace so as not to miss any birds. ● Do not count any birds behind you once you pass an area● Oocument birds that are to either side (about 20m left and right) or directly ahead
of you. ● If possible, identify bird species as soon as possible. If you are not sure, be sure
to jot down any notes of its color, behavior, size, and etc. and then identify all of them after the walk by using a bird book, the internet, or the Merlin Bird ID app
● After the data collection is complete, add your data to the master list of the species (located in the Copeland Creek Masterplan)
Data Collectors: Date:
Time:Weather Conditions:
Species Spotted Overhead Trees Ground Brush Other (please specify)
American Crow
American Robin
Anna's Hummingbird
Black Phoebe
Bushtit
California Quail
California Towhee
Canada Geese
Cedar Wax Wing
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Golden-crowned Sparrow
Kingfisher
Lesser Goldfinch
Mallard Duck
Northern Flicker
Nuttal's Woodpecker
Oaktit
Raven
Red-shouldered Hawk
Red-tailed Hawk
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Scrub Jay
Song Sparrow
Spotted Towhee
Townsend Warbler
Turkey Vulture
Coverboard Sampling
Coverboards are used to offer suitable nest sites for vertebrates (largely amphibians), offer protection from predators, and reduce nesting-site competition. Because amphibians and other terrestrial vertebrates’ have a heightened sensitivity to environmental conditions, they are optimal models for determining the effects of stressors on the riparian habitat.
Materials:● Coverboards (8)● Flagging tape● Aluminum tent stakes● Permanent marker● Camera (optional)● GPS● Courtesy Labels ● Data Sheet● Camera
Methods:
● Determine which site is appropriate based on the following criteria:○ Make sure that coverboards are placed a minimum of five meters apart. ○ Coverboards will be marked 1-10.○ Using a permanent marker, label coverboards so that they do not get
stolen (“Property of ENSP. Do Not Disturb”).○ Coverboards should be placed in cool, moist locations. Some studies
report significantly higher encounter rates of amphibians under coverboards placed on bare soil as opposed to leaf litter
○ It is recommended to place coverboards on level ground in order to avoid moisture loss.
● After placing coverboard, attempt to prevent possible disturbance by larger wildlife and people by placing rocks on top of the coverboards or by holding boards in place with aluminum tent stakes.
● Mark your location with flagging tape. ● Take a picture of your coverboard and record the GPS coordinates so that you
can more easily find it later. ● Coverboards must be allowed to weather for at least three months.● After coverboards have weathered for three months, collect data on a weekly
basis by lifting the coverboard, photographing the area, and recording any animals found
● Add all data to the species list found in the Copeland Creek Master Plan
Acoustic Frog Sampling
Materials:● Tally counter● Data sheet● Thermometer● Hygrometer
Methods:
Sampling should be conducted around sunset. Record air temperature, relative humidity, and rainfall amount (if applicable) Walk the path along the south side of the creek, from the Environmental Technology Center to the traffic bridge just south of the Green Music CenterWalk as quietly as possible to avoid creating disturbance. If a significant disturbance occurs, wait where you are for one minute and resume your walk.Listen for frog calls and recording each individual callRecord the zone where each frog is heardFrogs often cease calling in response to disturbance (Redmer, 2000) so it is important to walk as quietly as possible. Data should be collected weekly, to show how frog populations shift as temperature and other weather conditions change, as well as to determine if there are zonal differences in abundance in Copeland Creek
Copeland Creek: Small Mammal Trapping
We used Sherman traps to assess the diversity and abundance of small mammals in the Copeland Creek riparian zone.
Materials:● 10 Sherman traps● Soft bedding● Food (e.g. granola, seeds, nuts)● Gloves● Big plastic Ziploc bag or clear plastic container
Methods:● Select locations for the traps with good vegetative cover, to reduce tampering of
the traps by pedestrians. Place 5 traps on the north side of the bank and the other 5 on the south side of the bank to get good coverage
● Record the GPS coordinates and take a picture of the site to facilitate trap retrieval
● Set the traps in the evening, and leave them overnight. After popping the traps into a rectangular box, place a small amount of cotton or other soft bedding material, and a small amount of food inside
● Close the trap and give it a solid tap on the side. If it closes right as you tap it, it is ready. If it does not close, that means the trap is not sensitive enough and you will need to adjust the trigger bar by moving it toward you. If you move the trap slightly and it closes, that means the trap is too sensitive and you will have to adjust the trigger bar so that it is further away from you. It may take some to adjust it to the right sensitivity level.
● TRAPS MUST BE CHECKED FIRST THING THE NEXT MORNING. Wear gloves to protect from being bitten by any animals you may have trapped. Open the trap’s door and slide the animals into a large Ziploc bag or a clear plastic container.
● After identifying the animal, release it back into the wild.
Western Pond Turtle Population Assessment
Materials:● Binoculars● Hoop trap● Flotation devices for hoop trap(should already be placed on hoop trap for you)● Can of sardines or clams as bait● A towel for holding bait● Can opener● Zip ties● Scissors● Rope● Leather gloves● Metal file● Flexible measuring tape● Scale● Camera● Data sheets● Box/Bucket(in the chance of needing to remove a red eared slider from the study
site).
Methods:
Western Pond Turtle Visual Surveys● Divide into two groups with one group dedicated to counting the commencement
pond and the other group dedicated to counting the art pond.● At the commencement pond, 20 minutes will be devoted to counting western
pond turtles basing along the edges of the pond. It is important to count turtles that are mostly out of the water so the head is visible to properly identify turtle species. The same method will be done at the art pond but only 10 minutes will be spent counting due to the pond being smaller.
● Record only the quantity of turtles observed, no other aspects of the population dynamic will be recorded for this survey.
Western Pond Turtle Live Trap● Check to ensure floatation devices are secure to hoop trap. A trial run will be
performed before baiting the trap to ensure there is enough air space within the trap. The location of placement for the trap should be close to the edge and in proximity to some stable object to tie the trap to with the rope.
● Open the can of bait and place in small hand towel. Make sure towel has two small holes in order to secure bait to hoop trap using zip ties. It is important to remove any excess zip tie once bait is secured to trap.
● After trap is baited, place the hoop trap in the pond. Make sure trap is safely fastened to secure object so it will not float away.
● Return to check trap the following morning with metal file to mark scutes of turtle, camera for documentation, leather gloves for handling turtles, measuring tape,
data sheets, and cardboard box in the off chance a red-eared slider is captured and needs to be transported to Sonoma County Wildlife rescue.
● The following steps of taking measurements of individual turtles must be done with the assistance of a person with a permit from California Fish and Wildlife to handle western pond turtles.
● Lift the hoop trap h from the water and safely remove the turtle, one at a time if more than one is capture at a time, and record the following measurements:
○ Weight of individual turtle○ Length of carpus○ Length of plastron from bridge
● Use the file to create a unique notch in the marginal carapace scutes.● Assign unique identification number for each individual.● Take photographs of both the top and bottom of turtle. Include both date of
capture and I.D. number of individual. Also record any unique characteristics of the individual
● Record counts of turtles, along with data on sex, size, and estimated age. Graphs will be prepared to showcase data.
Basking Survey Data Sheet
Date: Time: Weather:
Commencement Pond Art Pond
Number Observed
Total:
Date: Time: Weather:
Commencement Pond Art Pond
Number of Observed
Total:
Date: Time: Weather:
Commencement Pond Art Pond
Number of Observed
Total:
Hoop Trap Data Sheet
I.D. #
Weight (g)
Plastron Length (mm)
Carpus Length(mm)
Notch Description (mm)
Other Characteristics
Identify Wide Range Species at Copeland Creek
Materials: ● Field Guide of Tracks and Scat of California● Camera● Gloves● Camera traps● Camera chips● White board or white paper● Dry erase marker or pen● Chains and locks for each of the camera trap(security purposes)● Camera chip reader● Pruning shears● GPS device
Methods:
Track and Scat Survey● Depending on the size of group, splitting into two teams may be beneficial in
cover greater amount of distance in a shorter amount of time.● Both teams will begin in zone 4 and walk east towards zone 1. One team will
focus their search in the creek bed (if water level permits) and the upper bank on the north side, while the second team will focus on the south upper bank and trails leading into the creek.
● All tracks and scat will be documented on data sheets along and photos will be taken to have as reference if discrepancy of identification arises.
● 20 minutes will be dedicated to searching in each zone.
Camera Trap Survey● Begin by surveying each zone for a potential location to setup each camera. It is
important to take in account areas that have high foot traffic to eliminate unwanted triggering of the camera.
● After each location has been selected, use the camera straps to secure to a tree at eye level, if location does not have adequate tree structures to use, two pieces of rebar may be required to adhere camera to.
● Once camera is level, vegetation should be trimmed back to avoid triggering of camera due to wind.
● After device is set up, use a chain and lock to secure camera to the tree or rebar.● Once device has been turned on, write time, date, and start on white board or
paper. This note will be help in front of the camera to document the beginning of data taking for each round along with the date and time of completing the camera round.
● Record the GPS location of the camera.● You will return to the camera the following day to check for photos, adjustments
may need to be done to camera.● Your group will have the opportunity to design your own timetable for how long
you will be leaving the cameras up for along with how many rounds you would like to perform.
● After you have completed a round of camera trapping, camera chips will be collected and analyzed. Data should be recorded on species, number of individuals in picture, life stage of individual (if possible), and time of day of photo.
● Additional rounds may require changing the site of the camera trap, if that is the case repeat steps 2-7 listed above.
● Data collected for both survey methods will be recorded and presented in list format on one excel spreadsheet.
Scat & Track Data Sheets
Date:
Species
Track Location
Track Density
Scat Location
Scat Location
Location Symbols Density
#-refers to zone S-single set
C-in creekbed D-two sets
L-lower creekbed
M-multiple sets
U-in upper bank
E-beyond upper bank
Camera Trap Data Sheet
Dates Observed:
Camera Trap Zone
Species
Common Name
# in Camera Trap
Life Stage
Track/Scat Observed
Time of day
“Problem” SpeciesJulianne Bradbury and Manuel Hernandez
Himalayan Blackberry (Rubus armeniacus) Survey
Materials:
● GPS
● Field guide to native and invasive plant species, if needed
Methods:
● Begin on the south side of Copeland Creek at the border between Sonoma State
University and Rancho Cotate High School. Create a GPS point and record it as S1,
continue eastward until Himalayan blackberry cover changes or the area becomes too
large to visually assess; then create another GPS point as S2.
● Measure the distance between the two points, and record it.
● Categorize the percent cover of Himalayan blackberry within the area from the two
points to the creek bank into one of 6 categories: trace (>5%), 5%-24%, 25%-49%, 50%-
74%, 75%-94% and 95%-100%.
● Repeat this procedure eastward to Petaluma Hill road and then use the same method to
describe the north side of the creek.
● Generate a map of the GPS points and create polygons to represent each area, color-
coded to indicate category of estimated percent cover of Himalayan blackberry.
● While performing the Himalayan blackberry survey, record the locations of any other
invasive plant species by described area. Record the location, size, number of individuals
and any other information that may be useful for future identification, if possible
identify to species. Special attention should be given to tree of heaven (Ailanthus
altissima), maytens tree (Maytenus boaria), black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia), and
wild plum (Prunus spp.). Add this information to the map generated by the Himalayan
blackberry survey.
Feral Cats
Materials:
● GPS
● Camera traps (4 - 8)
Methods:
● Set a minimum of one camera trap per creek zone for at least one 72-hour observational
period per year
● Aadditional observation periods spaced at least one week apart will increase accuracy of
population estimates.
● At the end of each observational period, download the data to multiple locations,
marking each folder of photos by zone and date.
● Carefully review each photograph and record all photo sightings of cats onto the Feral
Cat Data Sheet. Identify individual cats in photographs and construct capture history for
each individual.
● If multiple observation periods are completed, population abundance can be estimated
by Poisson log-normal mark–resight model, with the first sampling session treated as
the initial “marking” period, and subsequent sampling sessions used to “resight.”
Copeland Creek Invasive Plant Estimate Zones Date: Observer(s):
Side of
bank (N/S)
Length of zone
GPS start(name and
point)
GPS end(name and
point)
Estimated %cover of RUDI
Exotic trees present, species and description(MABO, AIAL, ROPS, PRUN, Other)
Trace 5-24% 25-49%
50-74% 75-95% 95-100%Trace 5-24%
25-49%50-74% 75-
95% 95-100%Trace 5-24%
25-49%50-74% 75-
95% 95-100%Trace 5-24%
25-49%50-74% 75-
95% 95-100%Trace 5-24%
25-49%50-74% 75-
95% 95-100%Trace 5-24%
25-49%50-74% 75-
95% 95-100%Trace 5-24%
25-49%50-74% 75-
95% 95-100%Trace 5-24%
25-49%50-74% 75-
95% 95-100%
Page ______ of _______
Copeland Creek Feral Cat Camera Trap Survey Review Date of review:Observer(s):
