The Golden Rule (of field notebook keeping) A third party should be able to run the fieldtrip solely based on the directions, notes and observations recorded in your field notebook.

clearly mark your field notebook with your name provide a contact address and return date in case your notebook is lost include a table of content (stops) at the front of your field notebook. You might also make a separate content list for specimens and photos taken. use a pencil to take your notes!

Header: Day of Fieldwork and Date - each stop should have this at the top for easy reference when flipping through pages later Stop #: Number stops by day and stop. Provide brief title. Be sure to start each new stop on its own new page. Map or Directions: This might be the most crucial piece of information for each stop. Draw a general map or provide written directions to your location. GPS Coordinates: When available provide GPS coordinates. However, these should NEVER take the place of directions and/or a small map. Time: This will help you keep a record of how much time you spent at the location and travel times between stops. Conditions: You want to be prepared for future visits to this stop. Include any noteworthy observations on the conditions of the location and possible dangers. Weather conditions at the time you visited might later explain why your field notes were shorter than at other stops... Sketch or Photo: Provide a small sketch of the locality (if appropriate). You want to make sure you will be able to recognize the actual site in the future. Be sure to include both horizontal and vertical scales and notes on the relative viewing direction. You might also glue in a small photograph here. Page #: Be sure to number your pages as you go along. This will help you link your stops to your table of contents.

Lecture Notes: Unless you are doing original fieldwork you will probably have an introduction to the site by a fieldtrip leader. You should write down as much of the information that is given to you as possible. Personal Observations: Here is where you place your own observations and interpretations. Always start with the macroscopic and work down to the microscopic. Photolog: Take as many pictures of important features as you can and keep a log of each picture taken – that way you will know what picture goes where when you return home. Some cameras now allow you to “tag” pics with voice – do so, if possible!

Specimens: If you collected specimens, list them here. Be sure to number them and pack them safely. Label specimens! Collecting of plants, animals, rocks, soil, and cultural and archaeological objects is generally prohibited in State, City, and National Parks. Summary: Once you are back in the car, or back at your base camp, you should summarize the important features and points of each site. Key Words: At some point in the future you might want to look up locations and review what you learned at each. This is made easier if you have a list of keywords at the end of each entry. This allows for quick searches in the future. Empty Space: Leave this space blank for future notes. Always start stops on a new page. Time Left: Note the time you left this location. This will allow you to puzzle together a history of how long you spent at the location and how long travel times are between sites.