Date: On-going
Time: On-going
Location: GIS Lab/Borough of Rutherford
Presenter: GIS Unit, MERI  

Abstract:   As part of the on-going efforts by the NJMC/MERI GIS Group to provide GIS knowledge & infrastructure to the Meadowlands communities, the group has been asked to provide training on the use of a hand-held GPS unit (Trimble Geo-XT) in order to collect/ inventory the Borough of Rutherford's shade trees. In addition to providing this service, the Borough will have a tool in quantifying the shade trees in-stock within the Borough's limits by the use of mapping tools available through the Internet. Some of the information collected will include the following, but are not limited to these fields: species name, condition/ health, age, location, etc. The local Boy Scouts will assist in this project, with guidance from the Borough's Shade Tree Committee. The first training was held at MERI on January 14, 2008.

Location: Environmental Center Lecture Room
Presenter: Dr. Francisco Artigas & Dr. Ildiko Pechmann, MERI and Dr. Jiansheng Yang, Ball State University

Abstract:  

The workshop will present the results of a study funded by the EPA on a method to monitor wetland vegetation type, extent of plant cover and plant vigor using remote sensing images. This method is far less labor intensive and offers more accurate and reliable information which is urgently needed by managers and agencies responsible for coastal wetland integrity and reporting, and its low cost makes it sustainable over long periods of time.

The method utilizes remote sensors and digital images from airplanes and tethered balloons that capture detailed views of wetland vegetation. These images are processed to separate and map wetland plant species and to detect areas under stress. Changes in canopy texture are used as a surrogate for sediment chemical conditions. From the analysis of these images it is possible to know the composition and extent of wetland vegetation and anomalies in the sediments that may be responsible for putting stress on plant communities.

This study verified findings from past research by demonstrating the ability of remote sensors (i.e. hyperspectral, LIDAR and balloon photography) to map plant composition and its extent at a resolution of eight feet to a few inches and revealed new relationships between canopy texture and plant height with  prevailing  biogeochemical conditions in the sediments. Sediment field measurements were used to calibrate the image models where salinity, oxidation reduction potential and sulfide concentration in the rizoshpere explain most of the variation in plant height and canopy texture.

Location: MERI Conference Room
Presenters: Francisco Artigas & Eric Yadlovski, MERI

Abstract:   Montclair State University is showing continued interest in developing a GIS for their campus. They are interested in learning more about MERI's GIS - how it works, the data that we have, applications that are available, GPSing etc.  A short presentation will be given regarding operations followed by an open discussion. This presentation will be more technical than the previous and will expand upon knowledge acquired at the first presentation.

Location: NJMC Headquarters
Presenter: Francisco Artigas, MERI Director

Abstract: The Meadowlands Environmental Research Institute will present the results of a comprehensive study that shows a significant increase over the past 15 years in the number and diversity of species of tiny invertebrates (known as benthic organisms) that live on the bottom of the Hackensack River in the Meadowlands. The rebounding populations of these tiny worms and other mud dwellers indicate improved water quality in the river.

The labor-intensive study was conducted in the same places and using the same techniques as a survey conducted in 1987. Recent studies show an increase in the bird and fish populations and improved air quality in the Meadowlands.  These results are futher evidence of the river's restoration and the efforts in revitilizing the river and the surrounding wetlands.