2022 Activities

2022 Ends

The year 2022 ends with a fork in the road for you:

  • Some folks will end their experiment and dismantle their site. If this is you, please be sure to uproot all test buckthorn and throw away the flags that mark your site.
  • Other folks will choose to stay on for the next round of research. If this is you, you do not need to take any special steps. As in previous years, instructions will be mailed out in early spring.

 

2022 Activities

Your data in 2022 are particularly important for detecting changes at your site.

If after reading this page you have questions, see the FAQ section about 2022 or contact Abbie (coveritup@umn.edu).


March, April or May: Site upkeep
Seeker's Ridge experimental site, photo by Citizen Scientist Tracy

March, April or May: Site upkeep

Check on your site. Bring a permanent marker and something for taking notes. Please take these steps:

1) Look over the site. Do you notice any issues? Please contact Cover It Up staff with questions or concerns. We're here to help!

2) Re-label flags that have faded using a permanent marker.

3) Check that flags are securely in place and none are missing.

    If you're missing flags or other supplies, please contact Abbie (coveritup@umn.edu). There are no photos or measurements that need to be taken this spring.

    June - August: Cut non-test buckthorn
    Cut non-test buckthorn to maintain your site

    June - August: Cut non-test buckthorn

    Maintain the experimental site (~30' x ~40' area) by cutting non-test buckthorn every 4-6 weeks.

    • A paper handout was mailed in March 2022 and is also available as a PDF. The handout contains detailed instructions, as well as a log for tracking your activities.
    • Send this log to staff in ~September by mail or by taking an online survey (link coming later).
    • Need help identifying young buckthorn plants? See these resources:
      • Video showing how to distinguish common buckthorn saplings from other species.
      • ID key (PDF) to study or use in the field.
    August: Collect data
    Activity 2c

    August: Collect data

    Before leaves turn color, repeat the data collection activities.

    • Timing varies by location - aim for August or by Labor Day (September 5) at the latest.
    • To support your process, Tutorials are available:
    • The 2022 Field Packets were mailed in July 2022. If you need a replacement, please contact Abbie.
    • A supply checklist is here: bit.ly/ciu-supply-list
    • When done with your Summer's End Activities, transcribe your observations using an online survey (link) and send your photos to the research team. Complete data submission by September 30.