Long-Term Trampling Effects on Plant Species Biodiversity Along Edmonton’s Ravine Woodlands

Abstract

Background Edmonton’s ravine woodlands along the River Valley are rich with riparian vegetation. However, as a recreational spot, it is affected by human trampling, one of the most common forms of disturbances that ravine woodlands experience. Long-term human trampling acts as a factor in spreading non-native plants. Methods Therefore, we examined whether trampling will increase species richness at the edges of the main trail due to the regular introduction of new species. To test this hypothesis, we randomly selected seven transects in flat spots in Kinsmen Park at Edmonton’s River Valley. Then, we created a 4-plot gradient perpendicular to the main trail in each transect and assessed plant species diversity and non-native plant cover in each plot. Results We observed a slight but noteworthy decline in the richness of plant species as distance increased from the main trail, with a p-value of 0.091 indicating marginal significance. However, there was little to no evidence that this decline was due to the decrease in non-native plant cover. Conclusions However, there was little to no evidence that this decline was due to the decrease in non-native plant cover. Long-term trampling has a positive effect on species richness; however, further large-scale studies are needed to investigate the cause of that effect.