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

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

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.

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.

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 ?

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

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

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. BLOCKPLOTQUAD NAT GERMForbAForbBForbCForbD 1116/13/

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

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.