In Alberta, Canada, Geoff shows us how to read the disturbed landscape along a highway based on the pioneer plants growing there. I especially liked his explanation of when thistles show up and their role in the landscape.
Also, he does a comparison of the soil in the drainage area created by excavating the earth for the highway and the rocky backcut of the excavation area. The plants in each area are distinctly different.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4evxn5o0jyU