Field Lab #1 Mt. Elinor

T3 Fall 2001

What you need to bring to the field trip

We will meet at the Library Loop and leave at 8:30 AM. Please bring the following:

  1. A watch, compass, and whistle
  2. Comfortable boots for hiking.
  3. Raingear, lunch, water bottles (at least 2 liters, you can leave on in the van)
  4. Warm clothes. It may be foggy and damp or windy and cool.
  5. Field notebook, paper and pencils for sketching, small plastic ruler.
  6. Plants of the PNW Coast and any mushroom/lichen field guides you may have
Gestalt of the forest

Hike far enough off the trail so you won’t be bothered by folks passing by. Use your compass to ensure that you know which way the trail is!!. Sit for 15-20 minutes and just let your mind wander on the sights around you. At the end of this period, jot down your feelings about this particular forest and spot. How do you feel here? Be as specific as you can. If there are certain aspects of the forest that really strike you, take note of them.

Observation and sketching

Plants to observe: Pacific silver fir, mountain hemlock, Lycopodium, kinnikinnick, as well as many others on your list.

For each plant you sketch, locate a specimen and record the following information. Take detailed notes—attempt to describe it fully. Use your ruler to give measurements of the various parts of the plants. Observe closely, use your hand lens whenever it will help.

Overall forest type-Observe the overstory trees, the understory trees (shrub layer), list the most abundant herbaceous plants

Habitat/ niche-observe the immediate surroundings where the plant is growing, include what it is growing on. Characterize the micro-habitat of the plant—condition of soil, surrounding drainage patterns, other plants in the area.

Physical description of plant-describe the plant body in as much detail as possible. Include texture of leaves, stems, arrangement of leaves, growth habit (spreading, upright etc.), description of leaves, overall plant form, any reproductive structures, colors, size, etc. Look at several individuals to get an idea of the variation.