A data set containing measurements from two native and two non-native bunchgrass species that experienced and did not experience disturbance along dirt foot trails taken from five different coastal prairies in Santa Cruz, CA in 2019 and 2020. We examined how trail disturbance affects the vegetative growth and reproductive output of in situ native (Danthonia californica Bol. and Stipa pulchra Hitchc.) and non-native (Dactylis glomerata L. and Holcus lanatus L.) perennial bunchgrasses.

Methods comments: Position: Off-trail plant was selected by flipping a coin into the grassland and selecting the target species closest to the coin at least 2m in from the foot trail. Basal circumference was measured at the base of each bunchgrass tussock by wrapping a string tautly around the base, then measuring the straightened length with a ruler. Flowering culms were determined through visual counts. Sterile culms were determined through visual counts of plants with culms that were underdeveloped.