Grupp 5 - Vegetation study and review of the catchment area

On Tuesday 1st of October we were identifying aquatic vegetation. It was a rainy day so it was difficult for us to take photos clearly. Because of the rain, it was hard to observe the submersed plants. 

We tried to observe the floating plants by our phones. Our group member put his phone under water trying to take pictures of the plants.

The vegetation of the waterways (macrophytes) is divided according to their elomuity for the different types presented in the list below and in the illustration below:
1) Air-flocking vegetation 
2) Uposlehtinen vegetation
3) Kelluslehtinen vegetation 
4) calf-shaped vegetation 
5) Loose floaters
6) Loose Fairies 
7) Water moss

Following pictures were taken by all of our group members near Pieni-Valkeinen.

 

Picture 1. Needle Fern (Jarum Fern) 

 

Picture 2. Peat moss (Sphagnum)

 

Picture 3. Sedges (Carex halleriana)

 

Picture 4. Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) 

 

Picture 5 & 6 . Air-versoisvegetation

Picture 7. Aquatic organisms (snail) 

 

Picture 8. Carex acuta (Slender tufted-sedge)

 

Picture 9. Root of yellow pond lily (Nuphar lutea)

During the process, we observed the distribution of most of the plants along the lake, but due to the frigid climate, most of the vegetation was needle-like or ferns, so it was difficult to identify their sorts.  

In most of the terrestrial plants, suspended plants and aquatic plants we found, most of them are still green at the temperature of around 0° c, which shows that they are highly resistant to cold weather.

Of course, because part of the water eutrophication, suspended organisms multiply, making it difficult for boating, swimming and other activities. But the growth of these plants gives water birds a large supply of food to breed, but according to the knowledge, perhaps their growth also hinders the growth of fish, robbing them of nutrients and oxygen, so fishing should not be done here. 

Review of the catchment area

 

Forest around of Pieni-Valkeinen

The forest around Pieni-Valkeinen is lush and green. There were a lot of coniferous trees such as pines. There were also lots of deciduous trees such as birch and rowan. The forest type is moist forest. The shore was partially becoming swampy. There was some thrash in the woods and water.

There are walking paths and also smaller natural trails all over around Pieni-Valkeinen. You can also find mushrooms and berries such as blueberries in the forest. The forest is mostly used recreationally.

The pond itself is also used recreationally. There is a public beach and a couple of private docks. One of the docks had a boat next to it so there could be fishing in the pond. Near the shore there are a few houses.

 

The catchment area of Pieni-Valkeinen

We determined the catchment area of Pieni-Valkeinen with value tool. There was a small stream that could’ve been a second incoming stream but we can't be sure because we didn't follow it to find out. The incoming and outgoing streams seen on the map were clear also in the wild.