For this particular visit, we propose to establish 20, 0.5 x 1 m plots, spaced 2.5 m apart along a transect, to monitor California poppy demography at each site. These plots will be marked in one corner with a pvc stake, meant to stay in place for four years (and removed at the end of the study). In these plots, we will measure the number of individuals. We will also collect seed pods from 20 individual plants, spaced at least 10 m apart, outside of the plots. These seeds will be used in greenhouse experiments at UC San Diego, and some will be placed in mesh bags back on the permanent plots at the reserve in fall, to monitor seed survival in the field. If seed set is not sufficient, we will put mesh bags on maturing seed heads, and ask the reserve staff to collect seeds at a later date. If this is not possible, then we will return and collect seeds ourselves once seed heads are mature.

Approved