Initial Tree Census for a 20-Hectare Deciduous Forest Plot in Alabama, 2019-2021

29,280 free-standing woody stems from 79 species were mapped in a 20-hectare forest dynamics plot in north Alabama. The census was conducted by Dawn Lemke and collaborators between 2019 and 2021 to monitor forest ecology and provide undergraduate research experience. The plot is located within a protected preserve on a karst landscape with variable topography and geology.

Use Cases

• Modeling species distribution based on topography and geology described in the plot.
• Analyzing forest structure and stem density across the 20m x 20m survey grid.
• Studying canopy vs. understory species dynamics from the enumerated 79 species.
• Monitoring long-term forest change using the initial census as a baseline.
• Investigating the impact of variable water availability on tree communities across the plot's elevation range.

Strengths

• Covers a substantial 20-hectare area with a professionally surveyed 20m x 20m grid.
• Enumerates 29,280 stems from 79 species, providing a detailed community snapshot.
• Includes precise geolocation (latitude/longitude) and coordinate mapping for each tree.
• Describes specific environmental gradients like elevation range (226-323 m) and soil types.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment for specific modeling tasks.
• License is listed as 'Copyright Undetermined', requiring verification before use.

Provenance

Source

figshare, authored by Dawn Lemke.

Collection Method

Field census using a laser rangefinder and compass on a surveyed grid, mapping all woody stems with diameter >=1 cm at breast height.

Time Range

2019-2021

Freshness

Last updated 2026-03-22 06:55:13; freshness should be verified.

Geography

Paint Rock Forest Dynamics Plot, north Alabama, USA (34.769521°, -86.306079°).