Landscape from Mokoan Hub
Landscape from Mokoan Hub
Location:
Observation Pad
Equipment and materials:
Mobile phone or camera for photos
Equipment to provide GPS coordinates and direction
Writing material and data record sheet
Copy of landscape chart (landscape chart.PDF in monitoring and gathering data web page)
Measuring change
- From this vantage point it is possible to observe the impact of flooding when the Lake Mokoan reservoir was filled.
- It’s possible to compare changed landscapes with landscapes that look similar before the reservoir.
- This part of Winton Wetlands will have the most built infrastructure and is likely to have ongoing changes.
- It is the location where most visitors will use with greater number expected in the future.
Preparation and background information
This location has the highest concentration of infrastructure for Winton Wetlands. Students will require equipment to record GPS coordinates and direction.
The data can be recorded from the Observation Pad below the Mokoan Hub. It comprises of large gravel square bordered with a wooden fence. From here observations will be made of the landscape. (Ref Winton Wetlands Master Plan pages 61 to 64)
Monitoring and gathering data
Use the data sheet to record:
- Direction of major landscape features and drainage patterns
- Landscape character using landscape chart
- Relative age of trees
- Changing environmental conditions
EVC
Winton Wetlands has 11 Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVCs).
http://mapshare2.dse.vic.gov.au/MapShare2EXT/imf.jsp?site=bim (overlay maps can be saved as PDF files)
(The last of the three part sections has more detailed notes about the EVCs at Winton Wetlands)
Winton Wetlands EVC.PDF
Answer this question at school before the fieldwork at Winton Wetlands
Which EVCs are in the proximity of the Mokoan Hub? / What are its distinguishing features compared with the others in the area?Referring to mapping activities completed during the Winton Wetlands research phase, locate and name the major hills in the area. (also Winton Wetland catchment map)
Primary data collection: Landscape from Mokoan Hub
Standing in the Observation Pad:
Describe the presence or lack of water in the wetland. If there is water, how far away is it? You might annotate a photo.Using the landscape chart.pdf:
List which of the photographic landscapes can be identified from the observation pad. Take one photo of each landscape that is observed.
Looking over the ephemeral wetland describe the relative size of stags (dead tees) and live trees. What are relative ages of the stags and live trees?
Drawing a field sketch facing south from the Observation Pad:
- Lurg Hills
- Arrows to indicate the drainage of hills into the wetlands
- Various habitats including woodlands, grasslands, fields of herbs and wetlands
- Describe the distribution of stags
- Locations within the landscape of infrastructure
- (annotated photographs may also be helpful)
Date Field sketch from Observation Platform
Direction faced south
