The area I have selected to observe is the Student Services Building (SSB) Courtyard at Durham College. I first visited this site on May 5, 2017 at 11:00. The day I visited was a very rainy day with 80mm expected to fall over 48 hours.
The area is a mainly flat grass area that is approximately 70m long by 20m wide. The grass area is man-made and has a slight elevation on the south side. Sidewalks that lead to adjoining building surround the area and there is a parking lot at the south-west corner. At this time of year, the area is home to two Canadian Geese to protect the area for their nesting eggs. The area also frequents several bird species. The vegetation in this area is grass, weeds and there are nine trees. See pictures attached.
Three questions that come to mind when observing this area are as follows,
- How is the vegetation effected by the use of the courtyard by students and staff
- Are there any negative effects on the space due to the surrounding sidewalks and parking lot
- Is there different vegetation is shaded versus sunny areas.
