Join in our citizen science project!
Bryophyte & Lichens on a tree stem
The term Bryophyte is derived from the words ‘Bryon’ (mosses) and ‘Phyton’ (plants) and characteristically build mats and cushion like structures.
Citizen science has become an increasingly important data source for researchers and a reliable means to contribute and share scientific data and information.
Big Canopy Campout offers a unique opportunity to gather hundreds of data points and observations from forests around the globe over one weekend adding to these valuable data sets and connecting people with similar interests.
Whether you are high in the tree tops or nestled on the forest floor your observations over the campout weekend can be used to discover more about our natural world.
A science project for all to take part in
See the forest beyond the trees
a project by Dr Monica B. Berdugo
This project is looking at the different plants, mosses, lichens and other life forms living on trees.
‘Plants support our very existence. These mighty powerful beings fill out landscapes with a variety of textures, shapes, and colors as they use light, water, and nutrients to build their beauty and provide us with the air we breathe. Within forests, it is common to see plants growing on top of other plants.
By taking pictures, sharing them, and answering a couple of questions, Big Canopy Campout participants may help forest ecologists to see the forest beyond the trees and account for their relevance in water, carbon, and nutrient forest dynamics. Monica B. Berdugo, a scientist interested in this topic, will combine the body of pictures and answers to estimate the abundance of plants living both in the canopy and on trees.’
Instructions on how to take part
1. Choose a tree (either as a climber or ground camper) with plants growing on it.
2. Take a photo of your specimen using a scale such as a coin or carabiner!
- For Small Plants - epiphytes, mosses, lichens or other bryophytes (those building mats and cushions) - take a photo approximately 50cm from your specimen.
- For Larger Plants - ferns or flowering plants - take the photo approximately 1m from the specimen
3. Fill in the form below and submit both your answers and photos!
Plant on plant
An orchid found 15m up on a fig tree stem in the cloud forest near Loja, Ecuador
This project will continue through the month of August and be the start of a long term data set collecting snapshots of the diversity of plants and bryophytes in our forests.
A science project for climbers to take part in
Uniform Tree Description Format (UTDF)
Uniform Tree Description Format (UTDF) is a method of identifying specific features for each tree climbed with the intention to make an e-catalogue full of stories, experiences and information on trees by those who have had the privilege to climb them.
By taking the time to note several physical traits of your campout tree and gauge the level of climbing difficulty (see the guide on how to fill in the survey) we can build a collection of climbed trees and the experiences from others.
By contributing your observations we can build on our understanding of how the complex and beautiful forest environments we are trying to protect.
Thank you!