1. Randy Mitton & Alanna Vachon
Barefoot Mapping
Randy Mitton & Alanna Vachon

2. What is Barefoot Mapping?
A mapping technique
Also known as ‘ecosystem mapping’
Takes natural and human-made features into account

3. Why Barefoot Map? Powerful tool to increase our connections to place
Increase our collective knowledge
Better understanding of our home areas
Teaches you about local flora and fauna

4. How is Barefoot Mapping Different?
Doesn’t rely on specialized tools or knowledge - anyone can do it!
Gets your hands dirty
Immerses you in nature
It’s fun!

5. What You Will Need to Do:
Step 1: Choose an area to map
Step 2: Look at the history and features of your area
Trails, habitats, stories, old place names.
Step 3: Go outside and get dirty
Bring a journal and pencil, aerial photo or maps of your area, and field guides for your region
Write down what you find, draw pictures, compose poems/songs , analyze what’s natural or man- made, look for (or signs of) animals, fungi, plants. Make a features list.

6. What You Will Need To Do 2:
Step 4: Dig deeper into your area
Look for other maps with relevant features
Find stories about your area (from anyone)
Locate mappable landscape features
What human elements are there?
How will you represent these elements in your final map?

7. Create a Working Legend!
Create your own symbols using features found in your area
Be creative and use your surroundings as inspiration

8. Then...Technical Stuff Break out the compass Create your scale
Work out a north arrow
Create your grid
Pick some quadrats/ grid squares
More information online.

9. Now...
Numbers out of a hat for quadrats

10. Class Exercise

11. What Can You Do With A Finished Map?
Anything you want!
Some examples...
Use your map as a base for a restoration project
Keep track of how an area changes over time
You could map seasonal changes
Put it on the wall of your classroom!