During my data collection, I did notice some difficulties in my sampling strategy that would affect my data collection. Firstly, I noticed that my stride length could change between each sample. To mitigate this variance in the future, I will use a tape measure to measure 10 m before each sampling collection. Additionally, trees impeded straight lines and made it difficult to keep my direction. To mitigate this variance I asked a friend to alternate measurements in order to have one person stand in the previous collection spot and ensure that the next data sample is collected in a more precise direction from the compass. These modifications will help ensure that sampling bias is mitigated in that each walking distance is the same and the walking direction is as accurate as possible to the direction generated.
The data that I have collected to this point appears that it will support my hypothesis that Virginia creeper has a higher probability of being present in areas that have less anthropogenic activity. I found it interesting that the appearances of Virginia creeper differed in the sanded area than in the regrowth and old-growth areas. The Virginia creeper in the sanded area was largely smaller plants in bunches, whereas, Virginia Creeper in the regrowth and the old-growth area had extended vines covering large sections and climbing trees in some areas.
