http://hdl.handle.net/1957/2872 2013-05-25T22:01:43Z http://hdl.handle.net/1957/2892 Maximizing soil moisture through mulch and slash applications Hummell, Cassandra; McKay, Erin Restoration projects that involve revegetation efforts are often confronted with problems of desiccation. Several studies have shown that mulching, or laying organic material over the surface of the soil, can be very effective in helping to retain soil moisture and avoid desiccation. To determine the effects of moisture retention in soil that is influenced by mulch, we equally distributed two treatments—bark and slash mulch, and a control, across 72 one meter square plots, and measured relative soil moisture 20 days after treatment. Soil moisture was found to be significantly higher in subplots with bark mulch application, and slightly higher in subplots with juniper/pine slash applications than in control plots. This study shows that mulch applications can help prevent soil desiccation which may improve seedling survival. Poster from 2006 Cascades student poster session. 2006-08-14T15:32:11Z http://hdl.handle.net/1957/2891 Math journaling as a self-regulated learning technique in the fifth-grade classroom Tanler, Hayley Self-regulated learners are students who take an active role in their education and have the desire to become more competent and more capable as learners (Zimmerman, 1990). Teaching student skills to be more self-regulated has been shown to help students improve their thinking and organizational skills (Pape, Bell, & Yetkin, 2003). The present research looks at a way that educators can attempt to guide their students towards becoming more self-regulated in their learning. Provoking thought with a specific activity like journaling gives students opportunities for selfevaluation and independent problem solving; important skills for self-regulated learners (Paris & Paris, 2001). The journaling treatment presented to these students was designed as a metacognitive activity intended to help them discover how they learn math best. Poster from 2006 Cascades student poster session. 2006-08-14T15:29:52Z http://hdl.handle.net/1957/2890 Small mammal population survey in thinned ponderosa pine forest Whittle, Heather; Hobson, Whitney Small mammal populations are vital to the Metolius Forest Preserve. The forest preserve is undergoing selective thinning, which may affect small mammal populations in the forest. Our null hypothesis is that small mammal populations are not affected by the treatment of the forest. In addition to the null hypothesis, we have predicted that there are short-term effects that will contribute to a rise in the numbers of small mammals in the treated sites when compared to data that is obtained in identical future surveys. To test the null hypothesis, small mammal traps were set up on 9 experimental plots. Two plots were set up for four non-consecutive nights, and an additional control plot was set up in an un-logged area in the same forest. Four deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) were caught in untreated areas only. In conclusion, small mammal populations are probably effected by the thinning of the Metolius Forest Preserve. Poster from 2006 Cascades student poster session. 2006-08-14T15:27:56Z http://hdl.handle.net/1957/2889 Road Decommission: Metolius Preserve Drum, Dan Road decommissioning will be a valuable science in the future of ecological restoration because of the excess number of roads in this country. May things like habitat fragmentation, erosion, spread of invasive species, and access to fragile environments can be linked to roads. For this study I selected a road in the Metolius Preserve in Central Oregon to perform ten different techniques that will help in the understanding of how a road can recover to a natural state. The techniques used will compose of tilling the soil, seeding Idaho Fescue, transplanting Idaho Fescue, applying ground cover for shade, and watering the area to different degrees. If successful the goal of the project is to make the road look like it never existed. Poster from 2006 Cascades student poster session. 2006-08-14T15:24:53Z