When it comes to field work, preparation is everything. It's impossibly easy to forget things. This list of resources will help you plan a trip that is efficient, productive, and makes you want to jump out of bed and do it all over again tomorrow.
Paper datasheets
Species Surveys are for those of you who only want to look for species and report whether you find them or don't find them. They are for those of you who like asking questions like "Does the invasive Asian longhorn beetle live here ?," or "Does native floating-leaved spatterdock live there?" No counting stems. No sexing crabs. No pH measurements or canopy cover estimates. Just the species for me, please.
Species Survey: Coastal Habitats
Species Survey: Freshwater Habitats
Species Survey: Upland Habitats
Datasheet Help
Species & Habitat Surveys are for those of you who want to go a little deeper with your species observations, and a little broader into the habitat where your species may or may not live. You are curious about things like "How many native rock crabs live here?," "Why are there invasive Oriental bittersweet plants in this place and none in that place?," "Will invasive purple loosestrife affect the biodiversity of my favorite wetland over time?" You like to count. You like to quantify. You like a bigger picture.
Species & Habitat Survey: Coastal Habitats
Species & Habitat Survey: Freshwater Habitats
Species & Habitat Survey: Upland Habitats
Datasheet Help
Species identification cards
Vital Signs Species identification cards will help you chose a species to look for. Once you are out in the field, they'll help you decide whether you found it or didn't find it. Each card has detailed photos of key identifying characteristics, diagrams for comparing similar species, seasonal traits, and an interesting fact or two. They'll help you craft solid written and visual supporting evidence to support your claim.
Species Cards: Coastal Native & Invasive Species
Species Cards: Freshwater Native & Invasive Species
Species Cards: Upland Native & Invasive Species
Sampling methods
Vital Signs data collectors use different sampling techniques and tools depending on the ecosystem and species they are studying, and on what type of research question they are trying to answer.
We sweated it out with scientists and teachers to pull together sampling methods appropriate for novice and expert data collectors alike. Follow these methods closely to ensure the collection of rigorous, trusty data that will be useful to the scientific community.
Sampling method: Just looking around
Sampling method: Quadrat (User-placed)
Sampling method: Quadrat (Randomized-placement)
Sampling method: Kicknet
Sampling method: Weed weasel
Equipment lists
We don't want you to forget things. You will be immediately unhappy without your snack and quadrat. Check out and check off these equipment lists as you pack your bag for the field.
Equipment List: Freshwater Species Survey
Equipment List: Freshwater Species & Habitat Survey
Equipment List: Coastal Species Survey
Equipment List: Coastal Species & Habitat Survey
Equipment List: Upland Species Survey
Equipment List: Upland Species & Habitat Survey
Team Protocols
Teachers, there are many ways to manage teams of students in the field. These are some of our favorites, gleaned from watching veteran teachers in action. Please share your approach here.
Team Protocol: Specialists
Team Protocol: Small teams
Team Protocol: Big group
