Living Laboratory Phase 1: Possible Approaches for Establishing a Laboratory
Abstract
Ernie and Judy Edwards wish to create a living laboratory on their land in the future. The Edwards own a peninsula (45 ha) in the Southern region of New Brunswick (adjacent to the Bay of Fundy) called the Deadmans Head Forest. To commence the development of a living laboratory on their land, a group of four University of New Brunswick graduate students studied possible approaches for establishing a laboratory of this kind. Key characteristics of Deadmans Head Forest were investigated. As well, the future status of the forest was explored.
Several on-site visits occurred to collect base-line data for the living laboratory and to determine key characteristics of Deadmans Head Forest. Furthermore, this data was analysed to determine the health of the forest. Finally, future predictions for Deadmans Head Forest were made through literature research and model building.
Through literature research, several predictions were made for the species observed on- site, as well as potential pests that may seek habitat in this forest. As well, literature research was conducted to predict the future climate and its implications on the forest. A NDVI map of Deadmans Head Forest was created to determine the overall health of the forest vegetation. Finally, a LanDSET Model was created to determine soil moisture for the site.
Overall, the health of Deadmans Head Forest is in good condition. However, the Edwards will most likely note changes to their forest in the future due to the impacts of global warming. The Edwards should follow through with the creation of a living laboratory on their property, especially during the age of climate change. Potential items to study include future pests, future diseases, tracking change of the forest composition overtime, and population sizes of species overtime.
Phase 2: Intertidal Zones within Deadmans Harbour and the Bay of Fundy
Abstract
The owners of Deadmans Head Peninsula, Ernie and Judy Edwards, aim to create a living laboratory on their property to study the effects of climate change on the coastal ecosystem. Located within the Bay of Fundy the property is subject to many unique features including the natural wonder of the highest tides in the world that the Bay of Fundy is famous for. In Phase One of this project the forested landscape of the peninsula was assessed for floral and faunal assemblages and the possible impact of climate change on them. In Phase Two of this project we assess the coastal community structure that makes up the intertidal zone on both sides of the peninsula, sites are along Deadmans Harbour and the Bay of Fundy. From the field work and literature review done we present a comprehensive overview and baseline of the species that live within the site or those that could potentially interact with the site and what the possible impacts of climate change could mean for these species.
Using various methods of assessment including literature review, drone imagery, and literature review, we have created a baseline of data and have predicted some of the possible implications for the species within the area and have recommendations for the living laboratory going forward.