Students study ecological recovery of burn zone

FALLBROOK — The Rice Canyon Fire has unwittingly provided seventh grade students at Zion Lutheran School with an opportunity to study biology right in their own community. Teams of students have “adopted” small plots of blacken ground in two areas of the burn zone just east of Interstate 15.

The purpose of the study is to observe and document a process called secondary ecological succession: the series of changes that take place when ecosystems recover after a natural disaster such as fire.

In December, students staked out square plats, three meters on a side, and used stakes and bright tape to divide the plot into nine quadrants. The students will periodically visit the site and collect data on the variety and population of plants in each quadrant of their plot.

After collecting data for six months, the students will summarize and present their findings. Right now they are enjoying the opportunity to study biology outdoors.