There are two relatively pure stands of sagebrush in the grid: one is in unit N, and the other in unit F and part of unit G. As figures [5] to [8] show, unit N has a relatively pure stand of Artemisia tridentata (big sagebrush), with Artemisia ludoviciana, Agropyron smithii (western wheatgrass), and Koeleria cristata (Junegrass), being most abundant in the ground cover. Artemisia tridentata and Artemisia nova form the overstory in unit F and part of G. The three most abundant plants in the ground cover there are Chrysothamnus depressus, Solidago petradoria, and Penstemon linarioides (Figs. [6]-[8]).
Fig. 8: Diagram showing the third most abundant species of plants in the ground cover of the trapping grid south of Far View Ruins.
Microclimates of Different Habitats
Four microclimatic stations were established in units D, F, L and M of the trapping grid to record air temperatures and relative humidities at ground level. These sites were chosen as being representative of larger topographic or vegetational areas within the grid. Belfort hygrothermographs were installed on June 10, 1964, and were serviced once each week through October 31, 1964, at which time the stations were dismantled. Each station consisted of a shelter 18 by 9 by 11.5 inches, having a false top to minimize heating ([Fig. 9]). The shelters were painted white. Several rows of holes, each one inch in diameter, were drilled in all four sides of each shelter, to provide circulation of air. The holes were covered by brass window screening to prevent entry of insects and rodents. Preliminary tests with several U. S. Weather Bureau maximum and minimum thermometers, suspended one above the other, from the top to the bottom of the shelter, revealed that there was no stratification of air within the shelters. Nevertheless, each shelter was placed so that the sun did not strike the sensing elements of the hygrothermograph inside it.
Fig. 9: (above) Photograph of microclimatic shelter built to house hygrothermograph. False top minimizes heating, and ventilation holes are covered with screening. (below) Photograph showing shelter in use.