Stop 1 of 12
Long-term ecosystem monitoring
TERN one-hectare plot
A one-hectare monitoring plot established in 2010 as part of Australia's national ecosystem observation network.
What this is
- One of over 1000 TERN plots across Australia, established at SERF in 2010 to monitor ecosystem change.
- Data collected here is uploaded to the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network (TERN) Data Discovery portal for free public, research and government access.
Why it matters
- Plants and animals persist here because rainfall, soil nutrients and temperature suit them. Tracking tree height, tree death and other plot data lets scientists detect ecosystem responses to change such as shifting rainfall.
- Consistent monitoring protocols make the data useful for understanding biodiversity and carbon cycle change, informing government reporting, and building a long-term archive of images and sound recordings from this ecosystem.
What to notice
- Species composition and canopy cover across the plot.
- Standing live trees and coarse woody debris used for biomass and carbon estimates.
Research connection
SERF plot measurements feed TERN's national record: species and abundance, canopy cover, panoramic photos over time, coarse woody debris annually, standing above-ground biomass every five years, seedling recruitment, flowering and fruiting, acoustic monitoring, pitfall traps for ant biodiversity, camera trapping, and global tea bag decomposition studies.
Source: QUT Engaging Science Trail, Stop 1
Open in maps
If your preview blocks the map page, copy the link and open it in a new tab.
External maps open the stop location only. Use the in-app trail overview for moving between stops.
Next on the trail
Stop 2: Soil moisture probe
Follow the numbered loop toward the soil moisture probe. Use the map's north arrow for orientation.
Orientation assist
The next stop is roughly south from here. Use the trail map and site signs or markers where available to stay oriented.
When you arrive, look forLook for dry sclerophyll forest dominated by Eucalyptus species, on poorer soils and with lower rainfall.
Follow the numbered trail overview and site signs or markers where available.
Can't find the next stop?
Return to the trail map and check the nearest on-site marker or sign. Stay on marked public paths and do not rely on this prototype for turn-by-turn navigation.
Back to trail mapWas this useful on the ground?
Local prototype feedback. Stored on this device only.