Kent forest monitoring team to collect data for restoration sites

The community is invited to join the Green Kent Forest Monitoring Team in data collection and monitoring of the restoration sites across the city.

The monitoring plots are permanent and circular. They are first established in sites that have not yet been restored; this is the baseline data for the site. After restoration has occurred on the site (invasive plants removed, trees and vegetation planted), the Forest Monitoring Team returns to the site annually to collect data and document change.

The data collected includes:

• Plot Characteristics: Soil, aspect, slope, canopy cover and habitat type

• Vegetation cover: Percent cover of shrubs, herbaceous plants and vines

• Tree Density: Species count, health, height and diameter

All plots are monitored with two or more people and can take anywhere from two to four hours, depending on the complexity of the site. Data is collected on data forms in the field and then entered by the volunteer into an online database.

Upon entry of the data, the volunteer will receive a user-friendly report of the analysis of the data. This data will also be shared with on-site managers and the Parks Department.

The event is from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kent Senior Activity center, located at 600 E. Smith Street.

For questions or more information, contact Malia Caracoglia at malia@earthcorps.org or 206-992-6853.