Palynology
As noted in the proposal, projects of this nature often lead to additional research. Although palynology was not part of the original proposal, Dr. Orson was able to obtain two students from Yale to conduct a preliminary palynological investigation into the top 80 cm of peat. The results of that investigation are shown in Figs 10 - 12. Figure 10 is a view of the percent pollen recovered from a core in the unrestricted site and Fig. 11 is the material recovered from the peat overlying the trolley fill. Fig 12 is a composit view of the comparisons between all arboreal and non-arboreal pollen. The decline in arboreal pollen on Fig. 12 coincides with the increase in ragweed on Fig. 10 (Ambrosia sp.), suggesting that the colonial period at this site occurred at about 40 cm, a depth that corresponds with the settlement period noted at other sites in Connecticut (Orson et al 1998).

Figure 10 -From left to right. Poaceae, Ambrosia, Compositae, Cheno/Am, Quercus, Betula, Pinus, Carya, Castanea, Unknown.

Figure 11 - From left to right. Poaceae, Ambrosia, Compositae, Cheno/Am, Quercus, Betula, Pinus, Carya, Castanea, Unknown.

Figure 12 - Percent of Total Pollen