Matching Items (3)
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- All Subjects: Herbarium
- All Subjects: Plants
- Creators: Alford, Eddie J
- Creators: Barber, Anne Christine
- Creators: Cynthia, James-Richman
- Member of: Theses and Dissertations
Description
This study was designed to produce a comprehensive flora of Usery Mountain Regional Park and Pass Mountain of the Tonto National Forest. A total of 168 vascular plant species representing 46 families and 127 genera were collected or documented at this study area. Sixteen species were not native to the flora of Arizona and represent 9.5% of the flora. Nevertheless, the study area does not appear to be significantly damaged or degraded in spite of its historical and current land use. The location and types of invasive species recorded in this study will assist with implementing preventative measures to prevent further spreading of certain species. The complete list of all vascular species recorded in this study will provide a valuable tool for land management decisions and future restoration projects that may occur at this area or similar sites and invasive species control. The distribution of the saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea) population on Pass Mountain was documented through the measurement of saguaros by random sampling. ArcGIS was used to generate 50 random points for sampling the saguaro population. Analysis to determine saguaro habitat preferences based on the parameters of aspect, slope and elevation was conducted through ArcGIS. The saguaro population of Pass Mountain significantly favored the southern aspects with the highest concentration occurring in the southwest aspects at an average density of 42.66 saguaros per hectare. The large numbers of saguaros recorded in the younger size classes suggests a growing populations.
ContributorsMarshall, Laura Lee (Author) / Steele, Kelly P (Thesis advisor) / Miller, William H. (Committee member) / Alford, Eddie J (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2011
Description
The Arizona State University Herbarium began in 1896 when Professor Fredrick Irish collected the first recorded Arizona specimen for what was then called the Tempe Normal School - a Parkinsonia microphylla. Since then, the collection has grown to approximately 400,000 specimens of vascular plants and lichens. The most recent project includes the digitization - both the imaging and databasing - of approximately 55,000 vascular plant specimens from Latin America. To accomplish this efficiently, possibilities in non-traditional methods, including both new and existing technologies, were explored. SALIX (semi-automatic label information extraction) was developed as the central tool to handle automatic parsing, along with BarcodeRenamer (BCR) to automate image file renaming by barcode. These two developments, combined with existing technologies, make up the SALIX Method. The SALIX Method provides a way to digitize herbarium specimens more efficiently than the traditional approach of entering data solely through keystroking. Using digital imaging, optical character recognition, and automatic parsing, I found that the SALIX Method processes data at an average rate that is 30% faster than typing. Data entry speed is dependent on user proficiency, label quality, and to a lesser degree, label length. This method is used to capture full specimen records, including close-up images where applicable. Access to biodiversity data is limited by the time and resources required to digitize, but I have found that it is possible to do so at a rate that is faster than typing. Finally, I experiment with the use of digital field guides in advancing access to biodiversity data, to stimulate public engagement in natural history collections.
ContributorsBarber, Anne Christine (Author) / Landrum, Leslie R. (Thesis advisor) / Wojciechowski, Martin F. (Thesis advisor) / Gilbert, Edward (Committee member) / Lafferty, Daryl (Committee member) / Arizona State University (Publisher)
Created2012
Description
Through the course of this project, I worked to redesign an underused and conveniently located space on the Arizona State University Polytechnic campus in such a way as to bring the benefits of nature to students spending time on-campus. This paper outlines how I used the ideas behind biophilia and sensory gardens to provide visitors to the space the wholesome experience of nature in the small area of my selected location.It walks through the design process from site selection to the final planting plan, which considers not only the physical requirements of the plants but also their contribution to the space. I separated the chosen space into five distinct zones, each with their own purpose. Due to time constraints, I only produced planting and hardscape plans for three
of the five spaces. In redesigning this space, I placed emphasis on utilizing some methods for passive cooling and heating to preserve a comfortable environment throughout the year with minimal energy usage. These methods include protecting visitors from intense eastern, western, and overhead sun during the warmer months and using thermal masses to absorb heat during the day. For the landscape design component, I found plants whose colors, textures, and smells suited the purpose of each space and arranged them in such a way as to maximize the positive sensory effects of the plants. Because color in the
landscape was an essential component in parts of the design, I focused on providing yearlong color by staggering the bloom periods of different plants. In doing this, I devised a system to visually represent the bloom period of any given plant within the landscape plan. Finally, I generated a rough cost estimate for the materials needed to construct the site according to my hardscape and landscape plans.
of the five spaces. In redesigning this space, I placed emphasis on utilizing some methods for passive cooling and heating to preserve a comfortable environment throughout the year with minimal energy usage. These methods include protecting visitors from intense eastern, western, and overhead sun during the warmer months and using thermal masses to absorb heat during the day. For the landscape design component, I found plants whose colors, textures, and smells suited the purpose of each space and arranged them in such a way as to maximize the positive sensory effects of the plants. Because color in the
landscape was an essential component in parts of the design, I focused on providing yearlong color by staggering the bloom periods of different plants. In doing this, I devised a system to visually represent the bloom period of any given plant within the landscape plan. Finally, I generated a rough cost estimate for the materials needed to construct the site according to my hardscape and landscape plans.
ContributorsWestbay, Jobana (Author) / Thomas, Martin (Thesis director) / Cynthia, James-Richman (Committee member) / Engineering Programs (Contributor) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor)
Created2019-05