Forest Dynamics
A 0.5-ha plot within old growth forest was staked and first surveyed for climbing plants by Dr. Robyn Burnham and students from the University of Michigan in 2010. In 2014 the 260 trees (>10 cm in diameter) inside the plot were measured, tagged, and identified when possible. The trees have been remeasured annually and new trees added as they reach 10 cm in diameter. The purpose of the project is to understand the patterns of growth, mortality, and recruitment as climate changes. The project also documents how some years may be better than others for tree growth and survival. The interval between 2015 and 2016 saw an increase in mortality from previous years, while biomass increased slightly.
Reforestation with native tree species
Between 2002 and 2009, three areas totaling 30 hectares (ha) that were used as pasture prior to the establishment of the reserve were reforested with native trees representing 10 species. In 2003 three plots were randomly sited in a 2-ha stand of approximately 1500 trees and three additional plots were randomly placed within a 25-ha reforestation stand of 16,000 trees. These plots are measured annually. In 2009 Dr. Cris Hochwender with his course from the University of Evansville planted 200 trees and measure the plot every two years. The purpose of the project is to determine growth rates and survival of native tree species with potential for reforestation and timber production in the region. Measurements have shown that tree growth is robust and can support high levels of plant understory biodiversity.
Camera Traps
Cameras have been mounted at various locations within the reserve since January 2011. Images are taken using a Reconyx PC900 HyperFire Professional. These camera traps are set to take one picture at 30-minute intervals and 5 frames when movement with heat is detected. The images from these camera traps provide evidence of wildlife that otherwise would be unseen thereby assisting us with expanding our species lists.
Bird Banding
Banding first started at the reserve in December of 2011 with Xavier University. The course has continued to capture and band birds every year during their annual visit as a way of demonstrating field techniques and basic bird biology. The reserve is a contributor to the Costa Rican Bird Banding Network, and all data collected from the reserve is shared with the network. In the near future, we hope to expand the bird banding project into a citizen science program designed to document patterns of change in bird populations within the reserve and the surrounding region due to climate change. This will be long-term monitoring of bird populations with results guiding our management decisions at the reserve.