Vegetation monitoring and studying plant survivorship can be a powerful tool in characterizing underlying conditions, including soil quality and species success. In the SF Bay Area the eucalyptus has become contentious: despite its cultural and aesthetic value, it poses fire risks. Moreover, its oils are associated with allelopathic qualities. The clustering of eucalyptus absorbs nutrients and the trees build up biomass on the forest floor, smothering vegetation. Because of eucalyptus’ perceived limited ecological value and allelopathy, understory work has not been prioritized.

In this test plot we are looking at four habitat types found on San Bruno Mountain and are identifying if certain plant communities from those habitats are able to survive/thrive in the conditions of the understory. Each habitat contains two identical layouts; however, one bed is mulched with local tree bark and the other is non-mulched. We are evaluating which methods may improve or have any affect on overall survivorship.