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All Expedition

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Acadia Lifelong Learning (ALL) Botanical Expedition:

The study of rare plant species in the Acadia Forest Region protected areas. forest_region_thumb.png

The Acadia Forest Region

  • Stretches from New York to Nova Scotia.
  • Is a biological transition zone between the deciduous forest to the south and the boreal forest to the north.
  • The red spruce is an indicator species of this eco-region.
  • Consists of a variety of habitats including the calcareous woodland, freshwater marsh, coastal headlands and sand barrens.
  • Considered an endangered ecosystem of the World Wildlife Federation.
  • Expedition details can be found in the Expedition Presentation.

Program Objectives

  • Facilitate hands-on learning opportunities for seniors.
  • Provide an opportunity for seniors to learn new skills in the identification, preservation, cataloguing and storage of rare Acadia Forest Region plants.
  • Promote interaction between seniors of all ages and youth.
  • Utilize seniors’ skills to make a tangible and significant contribution to the research at Acadia University.
  • Produce a final report of the expedition findings.
  • Help protect, preserve and enhance the viability of the Acadia Forest Region protected areas.

Expedition Resultsroute_thumb.png

  • Approximately 150 specimens were collected. Click here to see the ALL Expedition 2009 Plant List (Excel document).
  • Specimens collected are now being prepared for for insertion into Acadia University’s E.C. Smith Herbarium collection where they will be available for research and study. With the specimens collected from all three regions the Herbarium now has a much better representation of the entire Acadia Forest Region.
  • Participants conquered the physically challenging tasks of daily hikes in rugged areas and on-going plant identification and collection, pressing and preparation.
  • Participants also contributed to the expedition planning by meeting as a group on a regular basis to discuss daily activities, presentation preparation, first aid training, supply lists, supply shopping, driving to/from expedition sites, interacting with community locals to inform them about the expedition, presentations to the community during and after the expedition, and journaling the events.
  • Interaction between Acadia University students and senior members of the community to plan and implement successful event.