Timothy Road Elementary School


Athens-Clarke County, Georgia

From an aerial view

The aerial photograph shows the Timothy Road Elementary School is on an "L" shaped lot. Its border to the west is forest for approximately One quarter of a mile. The north border is a thin line of trees separating the school from a housing development. The east border is a entrance road to the housing development, followed by a wooded area with an open field. Timothy road is the school's southern border, and south of it is another housing community. The land used by the school appears mostly flat and has a much lighter color than the surrounding areas indicating eroded, sandy soil. Because of this lack of rich soil, and the fact that the property was probably logged in the past 50-60 years, the tree community is a pine/sweetgum forest with few mature hardwoods scattered. There are no waterways.

How to get to Timothy Road Elementary School in Athens, Georgia

To help with the directions, view the large scale map. From outside of Athens, get on the Athens Loop highway - Loop 10. Travel to the exit on the south part of town which says "316" and heads to Atlanta. There is a huge Waffle House sign at this exit. After exiting the loop highway, turn north toward Athens, not toward Atlanta. Travel north on Epps Bridge Road (which is the same as 316, but going north) until a light is reached at Timothy Road. Turn left here. Timothy Road Elementary School is approximately 1/4 mile up the road on the right.
From East Athens, travel west on Broad Street, which turns into the Atlanta Highway. Turn left on Epps Bridge Road, at the K-Mart, and turn right when Timothy Road is reached. From west Athens, travel east on Atlanta highway. Turn right on Epps Bridge Road and follow the above directions.

Site Description:

View the plat to see the school's legal boundaries. The Timothy Road Elementary School landscape can be divided into two woodland areas and two grassy areas. Check out the small scale map to get an idea of the various landscapes. When facing the front of the school, the left side of the landscape is woodland with a playground. This area is dominated by Liquidambar styraciflua and Ligustrum spp. . On the right side of the school, there is a large island with Timothy Road bordering the front side and a parking lot bordering the other three sides. This area is also woodland with mostly Liquidambar styraciflua. Quercus nigra, Albizia julibrissin, Liriodendron tulipifera, and Acer rubrum can also be found in the woodland areas. Herbs found in woodland areas include Lonicera japonica, Campsis radicans, Gnaphalium obtusifolium, Smilax rotundifolia, Eupatorium compositifolium, Rumex crispus, Daucus carota, and Phytolacca americana.
In the front, center of the school is a grassy area with Cornus florida and Platanus occidentalis . Behind the right side parking lot is a larger grassy area that is bordered in the back by a wire fence and on the right side by a two lane street. Among the trees found here are Myrica cerifera, Quercus falcata, Platanus occidentalis, Cornus florida, Juniperus virginiana, Pinus taeda, and Carya illinoensis . Herbs found in the grassy areas include Trifolium repens, Plantago lanceolata, Rubus allegheniensis, Lactuca scariola, Cichorium intybus, Erigeron annuus, Oenothera biennis, and Fragaria vesca .
The school is in a suburan area. Timothy Road is a two-laned road with medium traffic. The intersection of Timothy Road and Atlanta Highway, one quarter of a mile away from the school, is a congested area with a Target store, a gas station, and several nearby restaurants. The pollution created by cars and businesses could contribute to a less plentiful environment at Timothy. Two other factors affecting biomass and diversity at the school are the presence of exotic species and the lack of topsoil. Exotic species, such as Ligustrum spp. and Lonicera japonica , have replaced native species because they do not have predators keeping their biomass in check. Also, the topsoil has been eroded away by secondary growth and Georgia red clay dominates, leaving a hard, infertile surface in both the grassy and woodland areas.

SOIL SAMPLES

Our group took soil samples from two different habitats. We took a sample from the shady area and from the light area. The soil sample from the shady area was a dark soil. It was dark brown on top and then as we dug deeper it became a lighter brown that was harder and compact. The soil in the shady area was moister than the light area. The sample from the light area was a brown reddish color and was dry. It had a sandy feeling on top then got more compact. You could tell this kind of soil was like clay. We took the soil to the extension service and had it tested. The sample from the shady area was taken from an area that had a lot of trees. The soil from the light area had a lot of grass and bushes and hardly any trees. This was important when we took in the soil samples so they knew what kind of test to run. The tests that they ran were to see soil pH and what different minerals were in the soil. They ranked phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium on a scale of very high, high, medium, and low. They ranked the zinc, manganese, and pH on a scale of high, sufficient, and low. They also gave us a recommendation on what should added to the soil to make it better. The light area had a pH of 5.4 (7.75 Lime Index) which was higher than the shaded area that had a pH of 4.2 (7.25 Lime Index). The light area had low levels of phosphorous, potassium, and calcium. It had a high level of magnesium. The zinc and manganese were sufficient. The recommendation for the light area was 15 pounds of limestone per square feet. They set a fertilizer program for this area. They said to put 25 pounds to the top 4 to 6 inches of soil prior to seeding or sodding. Next add ammonium nitrate per 1000 square feet monthly during the growing season through August. They recommended a maintenance fertilizer program for the next 2 to 3 years then retest. The shady area had medium levels of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. The magnesium and potassium almost hit the high level. The zinc and manganese were sufficient. The recommendation for the shady area was 135 pounds of limestone per 1000 square feet. Then we need to estimate the canopy spread in square feet. Then apply ¾ pounds of fertilizer per 100 square feet of canopy spread in March and in July. It said to broadcast the fertilizer evenly underneath the foliage mass and extending beyond the dripline. It also said to use dolomitic limestone to satisfy the limestone recommendation and the magnesium that is needed. The two soil types could affect ground dwelling insects. If one type was moist they could get through the ground easier than if it was hard and compact. If the ground was too moist then it could be hard to build homes. The soil that was clay like and hard could be useful because maybe the insects could build better homes. The type of fertilizer in the soil can affect them because maybe the fertilizer helps make better soil for them. This test was a good way to show us how different the soil can be in two different habitats.

Biological Description

The plant community at Timothy Road Elementary is consistent with that of most of the Georgia piedmont. The forest is filled with pines, sweetgums, and some smaller hardwoods. Diversity appears to be hampered by the exotic Privet (Ligustrom spp.) and Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica). The herbs present at the site are also consistent with other Georgia piedmont communities.

Plant Inventory for Timothy Road Elementary
TreeNative/ExoticPlanted/NaturalForest HabitatGrassy HabitatOther Habitat
Quercus falcataNNYesNoYes
Cornus floridaNP/NYesYesYes
Acer rubrumNNYesNoNo
Juniperus virginianaNNYesYesYes
Pinus taedaNP/NYesYesYes
Carya illinoensisNPNoYesNo
Rhus copallinaNNYesNoYes
Rhus glabraNNYesNoYes
Liquidambar styracifluaNNYesYesYes
Quercus nigraNNYesNoNo
Ligustrum spp.ENYesNoYes
Liriodendron tulipiferaNNYesYesYes
Albizia julibrissinENYesNoNo
Platanus occidentalisNP/NYesYesYes
Myrica ceriferaNPNoYesNo
HerbNative/ExoticPlanted/NaturalForest HabitatGrassy HabitatOther Habitat
Lonicera japonicaENYesNoYes
Campsis radicansNNYesNoNo
Gnaphalium obtusifoliumNNYesNoYes
Smilax rotundifoliaNNYesNoYes
Eupatorium compositifoliumNNYesNoYes
Rumex crispusENYesNoYes
Daucus carotaENYesNoYes
Phytolacca americanaNNYesNoYes
Trifolium repensENNoYesNo
Plantago lanceolataENNoYesNo
Rubus allegheniensisNNYesYesYes
Lactuca scariolaENNoYesYes
Cichorium intybusENNoYesNo
Erigeron annuusNNNoYesYes
Oenothera biennisNNNoYesYes
Fragaria vescaNNNoYesYes

The Ant Experiment

Hypothesis

There will be more fire ants in the grassy area than in the woodland area. This will result in a lower number of other ants in the grassy area.

Results

Distinction of species:
Morphospecies 1: Fire ants- Slightly smaller, with dark, ovular thorax and reddish body.
Morphospecies 2: A longer thorax with yellow and black stripes.
Morphospecies 3: Solid black, larger ants.
Morphospecies 4: Same size as morphospecies 2, with a light (almost clear) thorax, and thin, brown bands.

Barcode: 143352, Date: 990606, Habitat: Woodland, Site: Timothy Road Elementary, Morphospecies 1= 5, Morphospecies 2= 39, Morphospecies 3= 0, Morphospecies 4= 1.
Barcode: 143353, Date: 990606, Habitat: Woodland, Site: Timothy Road Elementary, Morphospecies 1= 14, Morphospecies 2= 143, Morphospecies 3= 0, Morphospecies 4 =5.
Barcode: 143354, Date: 990606, Habitat: Woodland, Site: Timothy Road Elementary, Morphospecies 1= 70, Morphospecies 2= 88, Morphospecies 3= 0, Morphospecies 4= 54.
Barcode: 143355, Date: 990606, Habitat: Woodland, Site: Timothy Road Elementary, Morphospecies 1= 37, Morphospecies 2= 13, Morphospecies 3= 0, Morphospecies 4= 14.
Barcode: 143356, Date: 990606, Habitat: Woodland, Site: Timothy Road Elementary, Morphospecies 1= 24, Morphospecies 2= 126, Morphospecies 3= 0, Morphospecies 4= 3.
Barcode: 143357, Start Date: 990531, End Date: 990601, Habitat: Woodland, Site: Timothy Road Elementary, Morphospecies 1= 0, Morphospecies 2= 0, Morphospecies 3= 0, Morphospecies 4= 0.
Barcode: 143358, Date: 990606, Habitat: Woodland, Site: Timothy Road Elementary, Morphospecies 1= 0, Morphospecies 2= 178, Morphospecies 3= 0, Morphospecies 4 =0.
Barcode: 143359, Date: 990606, Habitat: Woodland, Site: Timothy Road Elementary, Morphospecies 1= 22, Morphospecies 2= 144, Morphospecies 3= 0, Morphospecies 4= 0.
Barcode: 143360, Start Date: 990531, End Date: 990601, Habitat: Grassy, Site: Timothy Road Elementary, Morphospecies 1= 0, Morphospecies 2= 0, Morphospecies 3= 1, Morphospecies 4= 0.
Barcode: 143361, Date: 990606, Habitat: Grassy, Site: Timothy Road Elementary, Morphospecies 1= 0, Morphospecies 2= 0, Morphospecies 3= 0, Morphospecies 4= 0.
Barcode: 143362, Date: 990606, Habitat: Grassy, Site: Timothy Road Elementary, Morphospecies 1= 3, Morphospecies 2= 39, Morphospecies 3= 0, Morphospecies 4= 0.
Barcode: 143363, Start Date: 990531, End Date: 990601, Habitat: Grassy, Site: Timothy Road Elementary, Morphospecies 1: 0, Morphospecies 2= 0, Morphospecies 3= 0, Morphospecies 4=0.
Barcode: 143364, Date: 990606, Habitat: Grassy, Site: Timothy Road Elementary, Morphospecies 1= 0, Morphospecies 2= 0, Morphospecies 3= 0, Morphospecies 4= 0.
Barcode: 143365, Start Date: 990531, End Date: 990601, Habitat: Grassy, Site: Timothy Road Elementary, Morphospecies 1= 0, Morphospecies 2= 3, Morphospecies 3= 0, Morphospecies 4= 0.
Barcode: 143366, Date: 990606, Habitat: Grassy, Site: Timothy Road Elementary, Morphospecies 1= 0, Morphospecies 2= 8, Morphospecies 3= 0, Morphospecies 4= 0.
Barcode: 143367, Date: 990606, Habitat: Grassy, Site: Timothy Road Elementary, Morphospecies 1= 0, Morphospecies 2= 11, Morphospecies 3= 0, Morphospecies 4=0.
Barcode: 143368, Start Date: 990531, End Date: 990601, Habitat: Woodland, Site: Timothy Road Elementary, Morphospecies 1= 0, Morphospecies 2= 0, Morphospecies 3= 0, Morphospecies 4= 1.
Barcode: 143369, Start Date: 990531, End Date: 990601, Habitat: Woodland, Site: Timothy Road Elementary, Morphospecies 1= 0, Morphospecies 2= 1, Morphospecies 3= 0, Morphospecies 4= 0.
Barcode: 143370, Start Date: 990531, End Date: 990601, Habitat: Woodland, Site: Timothy Road Elementary, Morphospecies 1= 0, Morphospecies 2= 0, Morphospecies 3= 0, Morphospecies 4= 0.
Barcode: 143371, Start Date: 990531, End Date: 990601, Habitat: Woodland, Site: Timothy Road Elementary, Morphospecies 1= 0, Morphospecies 2= 2, Morphospecies 3= 0, Morphospecies 4= 0.
Barcode: 143372, Start Date: 990531, End Date: 990601, Habitat: Woodland, Site: Timothy Road Elementary, Morphospecies 1= 0, Morphospecies 2= 0, Morphospecies 3= 0, Morphospecies 4= 0.
Barcode: 143373, Start Date: 990531, End Date: 990601, Habitat: Woodland, Site: Timothy Road Elementary, Morphospecies 1= 0, Morphospecies 2= 1, Morphospecies 3= 0, Morphospecies 4= 1.
Barcode: 143374, Start Date: 000531, End Date: 990601, Habitat: Woodland, Site: Timothy Road Elementary, Morphospecies 1= 1, Morphospecies 2= 0, Morphospecies 3= 0, Morphospecies 4= 1.
Barcode: 143375, Date: 990606, Habitat: Woodland, Site: Timothy Road Elementary, Morphospecies 1= 0, Morphospecies 2= 0, Morphospecies 3= 0, Morphospecies 4= 0.
Barcode: 143376, Date: 990606, Habitat: Grassy, Site: Timothy Road Elementary, Morphospecies 1= 3, Morphospecies 2= 2, Morphospecies 3= 0, Morphospecies 4= 0.
Barcode: 143377, Start Date: 990531, End Date: 990601, Habitat: Grassy, Site: Timothy Road Elementary, Morphospecies 1= 0, Morphospecies 2= 0, Morphospecies 3= 0, Morphospecies 4= 0.
Barcode: 143378, Start Date: 990531, End Date: 990601, Habitat: Grassy, Site: Timothy Road Elementary, Morphospecies 1= 0, Morphospecies 2= 0, Morphospecies 3= 0, Morphospecies 4= 0.
Barcode: 143379, Date: 990606, Habitat: Grassy, Site: Timothy Road Elementary, Morphospecies 1= 0, Morphospecies 2= 0, Morphospecies 3= 0, Morphospecies 4= 1.
Barcode: 143380, Date: 990606, Habitat: Grassy, Site: Timothy Road Elementary, Morphospecies 1= 0, Morphospecies 2= 1, Morphospecies 3= 0, Morphospecies 4= 1.
Barcode: 143381, Start Date: 990531, End Date: 990601, Habitat: Grassy, Site: Timothy Road Elementary, Morphospecies 1= 0, Morphospecies 2= 2, Morphospecies 3= 0, Morphospecies 4= 1.
Barcode: 143382, Start Date: 990531, End Date: 990601, Habitat: Grassy, Site: Timothy Road Elementary, Morphospecies 1= 0, Morphospecies 2= 3, Morphospecies 3= 0, Morphospecies 4= 1.

Conclusion

For this experiment we expected to find a high proportion of fire ants (Solenopsis) in the open (sunny) habitat and a significantly lower proportion in the wooded (shady) habitat. In addition, in any area with a large number of fire ants we expected to find a very small number of other types of ants. In actuality, however, our results were very different from what we expected. We found only a few fire ants in general and the few that we did find were in the wooded area. The great majority of the ants that we found were an entirely different type altogether. There may be several explanations for these results. We believe that the most likely senerio is that since this is an elementary school yard with small children, the areas that typically have a high concentration of fire ants have been treated with an insecticide. The areas with a lower concentration of fire ants such as the wooded area probably have not been treated (to save money perhaps) and that might explain the few fire ants that we found in the wooded area. We came to this conclusion primarily because there was no indication of ant hills at all in the sunny area but we did see a few in and around the wooded area. Since the striped ants would presumably not be able to live in the treated area any more effectively than the fire ants it is possible that these two types of ants simply have a diferent niche or a different dispersal pattern. Since all ants (with the exception of army ants and termites) have a somewhat similar dispersal pattern we can then infer that the most likely explanation is that these two types of ants inhabit a different niche. (Edelstein-Keshet, et. al., 1993).

References

Edelstein-Keshet, L., J. Watmough, and G. Bard Ermentrout. "Trail Following in ants: Individual properties determine population behavior." Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology. 36:2. 119-33. 1995.

Compiled by
Erin Ivy
Glenn Cardenas
Amy Mote
Beth Tyler
Brian Glazer
Ecology 3500
University of Georgia
June 1999