What's Happening with Atlantic White Cedar?
Over the past three months, graduate student Reece Ciampitti has been leading a field study at Bradford Bog to understand the factors that influence the natural regeneration of Atlantic White Cedar (Chamaecyparis thyoides; AWC). Reece is focusing on how environmental conditions such as canopy density, soil pH, light availability, and temperature affect AWC recruitment in both open and closed canopy areas. To investigate these factors, he has established 36 monitoring stations across different conditions where he and his team has measured vegetation cover at multiple levels, counted AWC seedlings, recording growth metrics, and analyzed soil chemistry and microhabitat conditions using Onset Hobo light and temperature loggers. Reece is also collecting sediment cores and microbiome samples to assess soil characteristics, including the presence of microplastics, and microbial species assemblages that influence AWC growth.
The ultimate goal of this research is to provide data that can inform forest management strategies for AWC conservation to benefit land owners and resource area users alike. Reece hopes to use his findings to foster discussions with local stakeholders and refine his study's focus, aligning with broader conservation goals and supporting the co generation of knowledge.