For an interactive, virtual tour of the property with regards to potential, specific research opportunities for the future, click here.
North- vs. South-facing Slopes
As the stark contrast between the north-facing and south-facing slopes in this photo suggests, aspect is the single most important topographic factor explaining the nature of succession and small-scale species distributions in chaparral communities*. North and south slopes differ in timing of succession, dominant growth strategy, and climax community composition. North slopes typically host a more species-rich scrub oak (Quercus dumosa) chaparral community compared to the chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum) dominated chaparral communities on south slopes*. The multitude of differences between chaparral communities on north-facing and south-facing slopes warrants direct investigation at Trails End. Future research should assess differences in species composition, abundance, leaf area, and soil characteristics that the Trails End chaparral can be compared to chaparral communities described in the literature.
As the stark contrast between the north-facing and south-facing slopes in this photo suggests, aspect is the single most important topographic factor explaining the nature of succession and small-scale species distributions in chaparral communities*. North and south slopes differ in timing of succession, dominant growth strategy, and climax community composition. North slopes typically host a more species-rich scrub oak (Quercus dumosa) chaparral community compared to the chamise (Adenostoma fasciculatum) dominated chaparral communities on south slopes*. The multitude of differences between chaparral communities on north-facing and south-facing slopes warrants direct investigation at Trails End. Future research should assess differences in species composition, abundance, leaf area, and soil characteristics that the Trails End chaparral can be compared to chaparral communities described in the literature.
Recovering Pastureland
While the re-colonization of pastureland has been studied in tropical ecosystems, there seems to be a gap in the literature regarding succession of chaparral in abandoned pastureland. The dearth of knowledge about the recovery of pastureland in chaparral habitat presents researchers at Trails End with a unique opportunity to study a novel system. Studies conducted in the Neotropics indicate that recovery of pastureland often follows a different trajectory than succession typical in that system. Barriers to recovery include poor seed dispersal and poor competitive ability of native seedlings*. While these findings are not directly applicable to chaparral communities, the pastureland literature from the tropics can help to guide research at Trails End as chaparral re-colonizes the abandoned pastures.
While the re-colonization of pastureland has been studied in tropical ecosystems, there seems to be a gap in the literature regarding succession of chaparral in abandoned pastureland. The dearth of knowledge about the recovery of pastureland in chaparral habitat presents researchers at Trails End with a unique opportunity to study a novel system. Studies conducted in the Neotropics indicate that recovery of pastureland often follows a different trajectory than succession typical in that system. Barriers to recovery include poor seed dispersal and poor competitive ability of native seedlings*. While these findings are not directly applicable to chaparral communities, the pastureland literature from the tropics can help to guide research at Trails End as chaparral re-colonizes the abandoned pastures.
Intersection of Chaparral and Riparian Communities
The intersection of the seasonal stream with the chaparral habitat in the northeast portion of the property also holds great potential as a future research site. The area boasts an interesting blend of chaparral and riparian species, as a hill of black sage (Salvia mellifera), coyote bush (Baccharis pilularis), and monkey flower (Mimulus aurantiacus) meet a miniature floodplain complete with a California sycamore (Platanus racemosa). The presence of the California sycamore indicates high soil moisture in this area. Future researchers should test soil conditions and further investigate the species-gradient moving from the chaparral to more moisture-rich riparian habitat.
The intersection of the seasonal stream with the chaparral habitat in the northeast portion of the property also holds great potential as a future research site. The area boasts an interesting blend of chaparral and riparian species, as a hill of black sage (Salvia mellifera), coyote bush (Baccharis pilularis), and monkey flower (Mimulus aurantiacus) meet a miniature floodplain complete with a California sycamore (Platanus racemosa). The presence of the California sycamore indicates high soil moisture in this area. Future researchers should test soil conditions and further investigate the species-gradient moving from the chaparral to more moisture-rich riparian habitat.