 Flags measure rare plantOn a recent hike
on Lower Table Rock, I noticed dozens of small yellow and orange flags planted in the
ground. What are they for?
-- Steve K., Phoenix Don't move those little flags, Steve. They're part of a project organized by a student from Southern Oregon University. Kyle Misener has been setting the flags to help scientists measure the growth habits of a plant called dwarf woolly meadowfoam, which is found only on the Table Rocks. Misener, a geography major, has set the flags to measure the areas where meadowfoam grows. He will make maps of the areas by using a global positioning system unit to get exact coordinates of latitude and longitude. Scientists will use his maps as "baseline data" to determine whether the meadowfoam colonies are growing, contracting or staying about the same. And don't worry, the flags will come out when he completes the mapping. (Send your questions to "Since You Asked," Mail Tribune Newsroom, P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501; or by fax to (541) 776-4376; or by e-mail to: youasked@mailtribune.comPlease include your name, address and phone number for verification.) |
