Before Heading to the Field…

1. Before Heading to the Field… • Decide how you will record the data • Test out data sheets • Look for obvious errors • Have crew try them out on pilot plots to check ease of use and clarity • Make copies of protocol, species list, codes, etc for each crew member to carry in the field at all times • Train crew members • Preferably all by the same person • Use templates

2. Field Work • Label all plots in the field so that someone else can find them • Preferably label as soon as set up • Have labeling scheme already planned • BE CONSISTENT – in location of labels, info on labels, etc • If labels are changed – change them everywhere and all at once • I recommend not changing labels after data is taken. • If they have to be changed be sure to check all possible locations of data for change, i.e. GIS layer, maps, datasheets, spreadsheets

3. KEEP A FIELD NOTEBOOK! • Keep a field notebook!!!!! • Record changes in protocol • Record questions that need answered (i.e. what is this species? What do we do about dead trees over 1.3 m that are not rooted in the plot? • Record protocol decisions as they are made – have all crew members do this as well • Record what plots are measured each day • Record new species, codes, and attributes as they are named, numbered, or coded. • Record thoughts or things that might effect your results.

4. Specimens • Each specimen gets a permanent reference number that is individual to that specimen – even if it is the same species • Keep a running number of specimens (i.e. do not start over each year or for each project) • Press or preserve specimens in the field or as soon as you get home • Collect multiple specimens – outside the plots • Try to collect specimens with as many reproductive structures as possible and in different states of development. • Record the date, exact location, collector, and reference code for specimen in the field notebook and on the specimen wrapper.

5. Data collection – in Field • Always put date and name on data sheets first • Collect data in the same order each time • Collect in order that makes sense to minimize disturbance to other data • Do a final completion check on each plot before moving to the next plot • Did you collect all the pieces of the data? • Are all the data sheets together?

6. Data Checking in Field • Check all the paper data sheets - • Are the fields all filled in? • Are the codes for species correct? • Are all the data sheets accounted for in each plot? • Are the dates and collectors names correct? • Collect and keep a file of completed data sheets

7. Data Transfer • If using a data logger – • Transfer data each night to a computer. • Perform the same checks as in the field • Are the dates and names correct? • Are the codes correct? • Are all the fields filled in? • Are all the sheets accounted for? • Back-up the data • Charge the data logger

8. Making sure all the data gets collected • Create spreadsheet of all data that needs collected, by data sheet and the smallest unit that each data is collected • Check this each day • Fill in the spread sheet as the data is collected.

9. Getting the data home • Verify the data sheets have made it home by having a separate checking system • Check this each week • Recollect data as soon as it is discovered missing

10. Data Entry and Final Verification • Enter the data as it is being collected, when possible. • Use the collection spreadsheet to check off when the data is entered. • Verify the data is entered correctly either as it is entered or after all the data is in.