 This project was a study of a certain outdoor study area as predetermined by the scientist who would be observing the area over a timeframe of six months, once a week, one hour a day. The observer identified and studied the local flora and fauna, while compiling notes and pictures over time so as to make a successful conclusion at the end of the study time determining the significance of the changing of seasons in New England and how animals in the area adapted over time.

 1) Experience the outdoors and exploration of a study area for personal interest on a regular basis,  2) learn the basics in preparation of a scientific field journal along with the necessary work needed to maintain the habit of weekly writing down notes and observations in said journal,  3) Prepare for more advanced and time demanding undergraduate research or other professional work in a field of science,  4) become exposed to scientific writing and scientific presentations so as to learn how to properly comprehend and mimic the methods used in scientific papers for personal future use,  5) exercise the mind and force oneself to think critically and determine a logical conclusion from self-obtained data and observations,  6) assist in understanding the importance of proper data collection so as to maintain the veracity and importance of scientific research for the purpose of expanding knowledge and understanding of the natural world.

 One of the most exciting things Environmental Scientists can do through their work is to examine and record biological changes over a period of time.  Understanding how local plant and animal species act is important in maintaining their populations, whether it is through conservation of land or other control methods.  Choosing a local study site that is both aesthetically pleasing and in a conveniently remote area is crucial  It is through the process of gathering information, making conclusions based on the aforementioned facts and observed details that the scientist hopes to better their understanding of the delicate balance and intricate relationships between all species in a certain biome

 Five ecological census techniques could have been used in performing the study on the census area. They are known as Line Transect Sampling, Change-In-Ratio Method, Capture-Recapture Method, Point Transect Sampling, and Strip Transects. (Buckland 2002) Out of these five methods, Point Transect (also known as Point Count), and Strip Transect were utilized.  Papers are organized in order by: Abstract, Introduction, Materials and Methods, Results, Discussion (Conclusion), and Literature Cited. Also necessary in scientific papers are cited figures and tables, as visual information is important in drawing conclusions about changes in the populations of flora and fauna in the study area over time.

 The study area is found in New Boston, New Hampshire, zip code 03070, in the backyard of the author’s (Nathaniel Quealy) residence.

 In a Point Count census, an observer visits a point, or several points, within a study area.  From each point, the observer identifies as many different species of flora and fauna as possible within a certain range (10 meters for this study)  The Strip Transect method was found to be most useful for identifying tree species, as the observer had only to move along a line of predetermined length and location, identifying species and other natural markings within a specific vicinity to the line.

 Temperature studies shown throughout the course of the 6 month study showed that the weekly temperature of the study area changed according to the temperature averages of the town of New Boston  Studies of the local flora in the 11 Page Lane study area showed a population comprising primarily of coniferous trees, specifically White Pine and Red Pine.  The local fauna were slightly more difficult to study, due to mobility and the inability to capture live specimens.  The species that were most prevalent in the 11 Page Lane study area were those that were seen most frequently over the 28 weeks of observation. (Table 3)

 Species  Number of Weeks Seen In Study Area  Mosquito  2  Black Capped Chickadee  7  American Crow  26  Eastern Chipmunk  12  Grey Squirrel  9  American Robin  4  Turkey  2  Blue Jay  21  Wood Frog  3  Black Fly  5

 Species  Number of Study Areas  Mosquito  IIIII  Black Capped Chickadee  IIIIII  American Crow  IIIIIII  Turkey  IIIIII  Eastern Chipmunk  IIIIIII  Grey Squirrel  IIIII  American Robin  IIIII  Blue Jay  IIII  Wood Frog  IIIII  Black Fly  IIIIIII  Opossum  I  White Tailed Deer  IIII  Pileated Woodpecker  II  Skunk  III  Red Squirrel  II  Cardinal  II  Eastern Junco  I  Ticks (general)  I  Kangaroo Mouse  I  Barred Owl  I  Red Tailed Hawk  II  Mole  I  Red Salamander  II  Tree Frog  I  American Bullfrog  I  Cottontail Rabbit  I  Ruffed Grouse  I  Coyote  I  Fisher Cat  I  Porcupine  I  Pheasant  I

 This study opened up many opportunities for scientific research and understanding  Upon completion of the study, clear evidence showed a strong relationship between the passing of seasons and the adaptations certain animal and plant species exhibited to combat and adapt to the changing conditions of the local ecosystem. As temperatures systematically fell, it was seen that the number of animal species observed in the area fell

 Observations showed a clear relationship between the species that were known to be most prevalent throughout all of the study areas with the species that stayed in the local ecosystem as seasons changed. It can therefore be concluded that the species that were most capable of adapting to and thriving in the winter conditions of New England as well as summer conditions would be those that were more prolific. This is due significantly to the ability of these species to obtain food and shelter in winter months, as those two necessities of life are most important in raising young.

 A good amount of data may have been flawed and/or slightly incorrect due to operator error of the many other observers performing studies in separate areas  The simple consumption of time became very stressful and difficult to deal with over the course of the study time. Though it may not seem significant, spending an hour a week in a specific area studying and observing wildlife is very time consuming.  It was conclusively observed that the behavior of plants and animals changed significantly over the course of the six month study.

 The data from the field study confirmed the popularly held principles of changing seasons and animal adaptations. However, the data itself was nothing new or controversial that could further confirm any controversial theories. The research itself was simply redundant and an exercise in learning basic scientific principles for the furthering of education.

 "Wood Frog Species Page." Web. 31 May peciespages/woodfrog.htm peciespages/woodfrog.htm  "Weather History for Places in New Hampshire." Old Farmers Almanac: Weather Forecasts Gardening Moon Calendar Recipes. Web. 31 May 2011.