65 Influence of Elevation on Plant Survivorship in Baduwa’t Estuary, CA

Authors

Celine T. Aguilera, Humboldt State UniversityFollow
Claire Durbin, Humboldt State UniversityFollow
Richard L. Toledo Jr., Humboldt State UniversityFollow
Rivé Prater, Humboldt State UniversityFollow

Abstract

The Baduwa’t is a river in Humboldt County, California that has been adversely impacted by agricultural operations. Disturbances from agriculture have altered the surrounding ecosystems and hydrology of the river. The conservation stewardship group, California Trout, initiated a collaborative restoration project that created a new off-channel pond to provide habitat for salmonids and other native fish in the estuary. As an extension of this project, sections of the site underwent revegetation efforts. The survivorship rates of this new vegetation were lower than anticipated. One potential theory for low survivability was thought to be elevation and access to water. This research identified if the elevation on the site could be influencing plant success rates. To determine if proximity to groundwater through elevation was the cause, we assessed plant statuses and compared them to an elevation map utilizing ArcGIS Pro. After comparing the results, we did not find any clear correlation between elevation and plant success. We then compiled a list of potential recommendations such as mulching, the use of mycorrhizae, the influence of canopy cover, shelterwood, and various planting methods.

Recommended Citation

Aguilera, Celine T.; Durbin, Claire; Toledo, Richard L. Jr.; and Prater, Rivé (2025) "65 Influence of Elevation on Plant Survivorship in Baduwa’t Estuary, CA," IdeaFest: Interdisciplinary Journal of Creative Works and Research from Cal Poly Humboldt: Vol. 8, Article 5.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.humboldt.edu/ideafest/vol8/iss1/5