NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Inuvialuit Settlement Region, Gwich'in Settlement Area

Tags: physical sciences, biology, land reclamation, native plants, botany

Objective(s): To continue assessing the performance of native plants which were seeded and transplanted into field plots in 2006 and 2007; and to establish two new field plots at the Inuvik golf course with the same intent of monitoring native seed performance in a disturbed habitat. We intend to collect data regarding winter survival, seedling emergence, and overall plant vigour and productivity in order to assess each species' and collection's suitability for use in land reclamation in the NWT.

Project Description: The objective of this sub-project are: 1) to continue assessing the performance of native plants which were seeded and transplanted into field plots in 2006 and 2007; and 2) to establish two new field plots at the Inuvik golf course with the same intent of monitoring native seed performance in a disturbed habitat. The research team intends to collect data regarding winter survival, seedling emergence, and overall plant vigour and productivity in order to assess each species' and collection's suitability for use in land reclamation in the NWT. Establishment of the two new field plots: Seed from the region will be cultivated at the Inuvik Community Greenhouse, using seed from the NWT seed development program. Once the plugs are ready (likely mid-July), plugs will be transplanted at golf course along two small drainages, with help from the public. Long term vegetation monitoring plots will be set up to assess the plants' performance over the years, in line with existing practices at the other three already-established field plots. Ongoing monitoring of all five field plots: The principal investigator and one to two field assistants will assess the field plots once or twice each year. General repairs will be made to the plot boundaries if necessary. Springtime data collection will take place in May or early June and will include assessments of winter survival, seedling emergence, and the general health of the plants. Autumn data collection will take place in August or early September and will include assessments of seedling survival, reproduction efforts (ie. evidence of flowers or seed production), and the general health of the plants. All data will be collected visually. The research team anticipates there to be no disturbances to the plots or the surrounding terrain, or even to the plants themselves (outside of vandalism or herbivory, which is beyond our control). Educational outreach will take place throughout this project. Youth and community members will be invited to do some hands-on learning about environmental stewardship, reclamation practices with native species, and monitoring revegetation success over time. Once data has been collected and analyzed, results will be shared in annual funding reports, as well as on www.nwtresearch.com. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from May 1, 2016 to October 15, 2016.