This study analyzed the herbaceous vegetation along a publically used trail that crosses two important parks: Natural Municipal Nascentes de Paranapiacaba (PNMNP) and Estadual da Serra do Mar (PESM). The cover percentage, richness and number of individuals of the herbaceous layer were analyzed based on 76 samples (collected next to, 2 m and 10m from the trail, perpendicularly). The values of the three dependent variables analyzed were smaller in the vegetation that was further (2 and 10m) from the trail. The analyses of the individuals sampled showed a higher number of morpho-species, and larger cover and richness, closer the trail. Parodiolyra micrantha and Impatiens wallerianna (which is officially listed as invasive in the Sao Paulo municipality) were dominant, especially closer to the trail.
Atlantic forest; Recreation Ecology; public use; trail; Natural Protected Areas
