Floristics Inventory
While running this project is mostly hands-off for our natural resources staff, every observation counts as helpful data for them. Starting in 2019, rangers are working together (and with iNaturalist observations) to update the official plant list for the park. This ‘florisitics inventory’ (an inventory of the plant species present in an area) process involves using existing plant lists as a starting point, then adding or removing species as appropriate. Sometimes the team will use iNaturalist as a way to identify plants; however, usually staff does their own research, submits observations, and relies on identifiers to confirm their species suggestions. Once observations are approved as research grade, they’re included in the inventory.
This is a big project expected to take multiple seasons to complete. The team is excited to have a current inventory in place - this will enable them to compare the list with previous years and discover how the park’s biodiversity is changing over time. Interpretive staff can also use the completed list as part of their programs, or to help visitors with identification on the trail.
Thank you, community scientists, for your contributions to this project!
