Exploring Sugaring's Effect On Mt. Mansfield's Bryophytes
Regan-loomis, Walt
Regan-loomis, Walt
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Abstract
Despite the ecological importance of mosses, liverworts, and hornworts in water retention, nutrient cycling, carbon storage, and microhabitat formation, sugarbush ecosystems remain understudied, particularly with respect to their understory bryophyte communities. This pilot study investigates how maple sugaring may influence bryophyte diversity, abundance, and species composition across twelve 400 m� plots at the Proctor Maple Research Center (PMRC) on Mt. Mansfield. Across all plots, Thuidium delicatulum and Hypnum imponens were among the most frequently observed species, while Dicranum montanum appeared characteristic of inside?sugarbush sites. Species with higher mean cover tended to occupy more plots, reflecting a positive cover-occupancy relationship. Correlations between Shannon diversity and stand? or site?level predictors (including basal area, litter depth, elevation, aspect, TreMs, and coarse woody debris) did not reach statistical significance, though litter depth showed the strongest positive trend. Shannon diversity was slightly higher in outside plots, while inside plots exhibited greater variability. Overall, we found no significant evidence that sugaring may negatively or positively affects moss biodiversity at the PMRC. However, differences in species composition between plots that were insided versus outside the sugarbush suggest that sugaring may influence which bryophytes are presen. These results provide preliminary evidence that sugaring may be relatively non?invasive with respect to bryophyte communities, and highlights the need for expanded sampling and long?term monitoring to better understand how management practices shape understory biodiversity in sugarbush ecosystems.
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Date
1/1/2026
Student Status
Junior (Graduating in 2027)
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Poster
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Plant Biology
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College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
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Life Science