Summer Internship Program with TERN- AusPlots and ATN

Ashleigh Burke

Why I applied

• Relates to degree

• Have done little work experience in undergrad

• Went to AusPlots field day October 2014

Funds

Hosts

About AusPlots & ATN

TERN- Research Infrastructure• AusPlots (Forests and Rangelands)

- Plot Based Monitoring program

- For consistent ecological monitoring

• ATN (Australian Transect Network)

-Patterns and trends along environmental gradients

AusPlots and ATN

Field Preparation

• Permission to access land

• Field Equipment, Vehicles and checklists in AusPlotsRangelands Survey protocols Manual

In the Field• 3 plots. Maireana sedifolia, Acacia

papyrocarpa & Casuarina pauper

Tech- setting up plots with DGPS, photopoints, LAI, Basal Wedge

Vegetation- Collection of all present species and point intersect along transects

Soil- collection of soil and metageonomics, assessing colour and texture, calculate EC & pH

Data and Sample Management of Genetics

Tasks

• replacing old silica

• Catalog new barcodes

• Change teabags

Why

• Maintains good samples

• Barcoding quick identifier for research use

Data and Sample Management of Vegetation

Tasks

- Replacing vegetation samples back to site boxes

- Choosing good samples to be sent to Canberra Herbarium

- Database entering

Why

- Data location

Data Publication

• Download LAI data back in office

Researcher UseTasks

• Herbarium to select vegetation samples

Why

• Readily Available for others

• Win-win- Researcher doesn't need to collect samples and TERN is Acknowledged in a publication

Collaboration- ATN

Tasks

• Prepare maps for ATN brochure

• Proof read and add publications to ‘Summary of Achievements List’

Why

• To be presented

in ATN brochure

Collaboration-NERP

Tasks

• Research government websites

• Fauna Survey Protocols- permits required, methods, hygiene and security, access permission.

Why

• Collated information of each state to put into presentation for NERP AusPlots Fauna Survey Protocols Workshop

• Animal Ethics Sate Summary- general responsibilities, permit costs, penalties

• Mostly standard across the Country

• Differences in pitfalls, bird surveys, active searching and spotlighting and Camera traps

NERP…(cont)

Collaboration- AWNRAlinytjara Wilurara Natural Resources

Tasks

• Create map showing previously established plots

Why

• Ranger Training & how to modify methods

Challenges

• GIS- Definitely out of my comfort zone

• Balancing internship with summer school and project work

Most memorable / Biggest achievements

• Field work

• Producing Final Maps

Skills Acquired

• Teamwork

• Flexibility

• Data and Sample Management

• GIS

• Research Skills

• Interviewing skills

• Understanding of the importance of Collaboration

Future Prospects

• Finish mid year 2015

• Travel & Work/life Experience (combined?)

• Honours- Assessing Ecological change in coffee plantations