Alberta Plantwatch Wallchart Information

Thanks to Judy Fushtey of Broken Arrow Solutions for the design of the chart.

The large version, measuring 60 cm (2 feet) by 90 cm (3 feet), is now available.

Purpose: The wallchart was designed for use by schools, nature centres, park offices, or for posting by any park with trails into a natural area.

This is the small wallchart (Plantwatch_June_2007-2.pdf).

which is 28 by 43 cm, or 11 by 17 inches in size. To print to letter size paper (8 by 10 inches), ensure that the ‘fit to page’ or ‘fit to printer margins’ option is selected on your printer options.

Description: The wallchart features a central chart to record bloom dates. Around the edge are colour photographs of the 21 plant species observed in Alberta. Maps show the natural distribution of each of the 19 wild or native plants in Alberta. The distribution of lilac, introduced by settlers, depends on where people have planted these shrubs. The other introduced plant, dandelion, has spread widely on the wind, since every seed carries a “parachute”.

To use the wallchart:  Suggestions for school classes or park staff:

• Tag a few plants which are easy to reach by walking — near the school, or along a trail. You may choose to observe one plant species, or you may choose several different plant species, with one or more of each. If possible choose plants in a relatively flat area, away from building walls or other heat sources.
• Put numbered labels or tags on your plants, for example: Saskatoon bushes, or dandelion patches: number 1 to 5.
• Make a map of these locations for use in future years.
• If you want to reuse the chart next year, laminate it and use non-waterproof pens. List the tagged plants on the chart. Find the location information (latitude and longitude) for your plants and record it on the chart for each plant.
• Note the environmental details on the chart for the tagged plants, for example: Is the plant in a flat area or on a slope? In open sun? etc
• Post the chart where the whole school, or park visitors, can see it.
• Keep a sharp eye on your tagged plants as spring arrives and flower buds swell.
• Note on the chart the dates when first bloom, mid-bloom, or leafing (for certain plants only) occurs. Note the weather before blooming. Use non-permanent ink on a laminated chart.
• Report the data to Plantwatch.naturealberta.ca. Write the date when you do this, together with your name as observer, on the chart.
• Keep a separate record of the chart information on file, and reuse the chart the following year.