Investigating Nurse Logs and

Volume
Hazel Wolf
The Lil Baller Golden Falcons

Nina,
An
Hanna sel, Yosiyas
h, Dan
, Tyler
, Jassi
iil
r, Deja
, Yael,
Eleano
r, Kati
e , Me m
phi

s, Cec
ilia, D
ominic
,

Introduction
How would a change in tree volume affect species
richness on nurse logs?
Hypothesis: If we measure volume of nurse logs in the
old growth forest and count the species richness of
plants growing on them then we will find a higher
species richness on larger volume nurse logs because
more volume will provide greater space for plants to
root and a larger variety of nutrients.

Definitions

Nurse Log- A tree that has died,

fallen, and begun to decompose
Board Feet A unit of volume used to
measure trees for timber harvest

Materials and Methods

Tape Measure
DBH Tape
Tariff Table

Methods:
Walk the trail of the giants
Identify a nurse log that is safe to sample
Measure the length of nurse log
Measure the diameter of nurse log
Break into 2 groups and take 2 counts of species richness
Average the two counts to determine species richness of nurse log
Repeat for 5 nurse logs

Data
See Graphs!

Results
Our hypothesis is supported by our data. As trees increased in
volume there was an increase in species richness. We feel
volume plays a roll in species richness of nurse logs. Other
variables that we think play a role in species richness of nurse
logs include..
Level of Decomposition
Moisture retention
Tree Species
Available Sunlight

Limitations

Terrain
Materials (diameters
and lengths too large
for our measuring
tools)
Energy
Focus

Trees too high

Expertise/Experience
Difficult to count
species richness
Had to estimate DBH
for some trees

Discussion

Larger Implications/Management
Decisions
When choosing an area to log we would pick an area with
lower volume nurse logs because we will keep a higher
species richness that way
If we were trying to sell down trees for timber we would
need to remember trees with higher volume have a
higher economic value, but also a higher environmental
value

Thank