Description: A two-hectare grid was laid over all of New York City. One random point was generated in each hectare grid cell. After a point was generated in each grid cell any points that were not located within the predefined study areas (New York City Parkland, Forever Wild Preserve and Natural Areas) were removed. Points within tidal wetlands (according to boundaries set by the NRG/NAC wetlands team) were also removed. Each remaining point within the Forest/Upland sampling area was then given a unique plot ID. Metrics such as soil, forest floor, coarse woody material, herbaceous and woody vegetation, forest canopy, and human and ecological impacts were collected within 10-meter radius from each plot center.
Copyright Text: Rachel Charow, Natural Areas Conservancy
Description: New York City Parkland designated Forever Wild was sampled using the NAC Ecological Assessment protocol during the months of May-October 2013-2014. Forever Wild Nature Preserves were identified by NYC Park ecologists and experts based on size, shape, connectivity and proximity, soil, ecological integrity and floral and faunal rarity. The 51 Forever Wild Nature Preserves located within New York City's parks represent more than 8,200 acres of natural areas throughout the City, and include a variety of habitat types, roughly 5,600 acres are forest and upland.
Copyright Text: Rachel Charow, Natural Areas Conservancy