Site Overview

Site Overview

          My site, found within Huddart Park, is located on the Crystal Spring Trail. The site measures 11.28 meters (37 feet) running parallel to the trail, and 14.33 meters (47 feet) when running perpendicular to the trail. The trail cuts through the middle of the site, which is a 11.28m by 14.33m square, making the site 161.63 meters squared. The site can be marked by 4 main land features. While walking towards the site, there is a large broken base of a tree located on the site. The distance from this broken tree to the closest tree out of a large cluster on the left measures 14.33 meters. From the broken tree base, running parallel to the trail, to the forked tree with a dead branch hanging off it marks 11.28 meters. From this forked tree to the end of a log, which is in another pile of logs, that is the farthest from the trail marks another 14.33 meter side. From this log to the closest trail-proximity tree out of the cluster marks the final 11.28 meter side. The trail running through the site has a very slight descending grade, and measures 1.38 meters (6 feet). The area to the right of the trail stretched uphill away from the trail, and the area to the left of the trail stretches downhill, also away from the trail.

Questions:

1. How many different species of moss/fungus can be identified at this site? 
2. What role do the dead trees and fallen branches and logs play in the overall system of the site?
3. What changes are noticeable in the site as weather/climate patterns change? 

        The ground cover of the site is made up of a mixture of brown/orange/yellowing bay leaves, light brown top soil, thin but long branches (a dull gray/brown color) with varying types of mosses, grasses, and weeds. The trail cutting through the site is covered by loose brown dirt, and is marked by a mixture of foot steps and protruding roots. The site has a large amount of fallen trees/branches and cut logs. To the right of the tail, there is a large fallen/broken tree. It is dull brown/grey in color, and has a few types of fungus and moss covering it. Growing from the ground are thin brown grasses with  burrs on the ends of their stalks, leafy green plants that appear to be mint plants, poison oak, and a few fern plants. The area also contains several oak trees, and a small douglas fir growing in among the large bay tree. To the area left of the trail, there is a large grouping of moss covered bay trees, and a few dead trunks without leaves. There is a large collection of fallen branches and cut logs to the immediate left of the trail, and they all sport a covering of moss. The ground cover is similar to that on the right side of the trail, however it contains a greater amount of moss and smaller green plants. In order to get to Huddart Park from Sequoia High School, one must take a 20 minute drive. Starting from Sequoia High School, 1201 Brewster Ave., continue up Brewster towards Clinton St. Make a right onto El Camino Real, and stay right into Redwood Ave. Make the left onto the 84 W ramp and merge onto CA-84 W/Woodside road. Then take a right onto Kings Mountain Road, and park upon arrival, taking the Crystal Springs Trail.