Floristic quality is a method for evaluating the closeness of the flora in a given area to the flora were the
area undisturbed (Nichols 1999). Floristic quality is given as (I)=the average coefficient of conservatism (average
of C) times the square root of the number of species found. Nichols indicates 4 major reasons to perform floristic
quality assessments which are as follows:
1) To identify natural areas
2) To compare the quality among sites or within a site
3) To monitor long-term floristic trends
4) To monitor habitat restoration efforts
We suggest sampling be conducted between mid and late July based on Nichols (1999) research where he indicated
that samples taken in July and August did not differ significantly in the number of plants found, average coefficient of conservatism,
or floristic quality.
To conduct surveys, simply collect as many plant species as can be found and compare them to the list of species
on the "Lake Jonas Plants" portion of this site or have them identified by a qualified aquatic plant taxonomist. Refer
to the "Lake Jonas Plants" section of this site for calculating floristic quality and a list of plant species with
identification links.
