Getting Started Collecting Data
We recommend looking over a field guide of trees and wildflowers of your area before doing a trail profile. It will help you identify things on the trail by sight and be familiar with others that you can look up later. Bring the guide with you, if you can, for reference.
To profile your trail, you will need to bring along your data collection sheets (any blank paper will do in a pinch) and a pen or pencil. The 2 data sheets can be placed back to back — or printed double-sided — and then folded in quarters to fit nicely in your hand as you hike (see illustration).
There is a blank area where you can draw things to identify later, when you can look them up. You can also sketch on the backs of both sheets if you need to.
Most of what you will see on the trail will be trees, wildflowers and nonflowering plants. It may take many visits over the course of a year to see animals on your trail. Record what you can and add other species later if you go back again.
Print out your data collection sheet.
A few reference websites and books that might be helpful. Please let us know if you have a favorite website or book for your area that we can recommend to others.