Wednesday, April 2: Day 3

Hilary Bouchard
This morning, we started with an illuminating lecture by Tuck, the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) Director. We then set off into the field to map, identify and classify trees in an idyllic setting on a stunningly beautiful day. Tuck’s presentation covered the history, extent and nature of the multitude of climate change-related projects at SERC. We are enthusiastically looking forward to tonight’s presentation given by our Earthwatch field program director, Dan Stover, about his specific area of research.

I’m a bit weary, but exhilarated by the work that we accomplished today. I really appreciate this opportunity and am learning quite a lot. I’m convinced that the group gathered here will put this newfound knowledge to good use in our roles at HSBC – North America and in our communities.

Ada Leung
Today, we mapped trees in predetermined plots, noting their species, diameter and coordinates. I am learning to discern the life events of a tree by simply analyzing its shape, size, direction of growth, etc. I have never developed this level of appreciation for nature because I have never really taken the time to learn it and understand it in this manner. When a tree grows in odd, twisted directions, or when tiny branches sprout from the lower trunk in an act of desperation to harbor more life-prolonging resources, a kind of respect develops. It is a respect for a tree’s immense will to survive. What seemingly was a lifeless, still and inanimate object is starting to transform itself in my mind. Just like humans, the trees are struggling to grow and progress, to get to the top--or for some--to simply find a way to survive. In experiencing this foreign, yet welcome, connection to nature, I am seeing a glimpse of why the scientists at SERC work with such passion to save something as precious as the environment.

Mire Levy
Day 3 started out under cloudy sky but turned into a GORGEOUS sunny day. I couldn’t have been more thankful that I was out in the field soaking up the sun, rather than sitting in the office. Dale, a retired 5th grade teacher and now SERC’s volunteer, took Jennifer and I out to a neighboring property that was thinned last year to map and measure stumps left from cutting. The goal of this project is to measure the stumps so that scientists can estimate how much biomass was removed from the area. Lesson of the day: Always look back after moving to the next stump, because stumps that are not easily seen from one angle often come into view from another angle!

Sara Tahvildari
How quickly we learned. Today was all about being outdoors and hugging trees… I’ve always wondered how you do that. But as our goal today was to map out trees and measure their diameter and identify their location and species, I now understand how you end up in close encounters with these huge plants. It is fascinating to be part of the mapping of land and trees.

Jane Vohwinkel
Wednesday: From the field. (Sounds impressive, eh!) I can now identify (well sort of) a beech, tulip poplar and sweet gum tree. You’re probably thinking: “And how’s that going to help HSBC?” Well, let me tell you: As a team, we are plotting, tagging, measuring and identifying the various species of trees here at SERC as the initial stage of the fieldwork. These trees will be monitored and re-measured over a period of time and the information will be used to determine the biomass increase and how that might correlate and contribute to carbon intake or release into the environment. This is a tedious task at best, but essential to this very important research. The HSBC team is taking their role seriously. Additionally, during early morning and evening training sessions, we are all gaining a much better understanding of the science behind climate change, as well as the work being performed at SERC. No ticks or poison ivy casualties yet. From the field…Jungle Jane!