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 and flowers in the spring, the number of individuals that survive to fall, and number of new seedlings each fall. At the time of the first visit in spring 2023, we will 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.

Approved