Forestry: Lessons & Activities: Field Trip: Field Report Sheet

Field Trip Report Sheet

Sample #1

Name:

Class:

Date:

l. Describe:

2. Estimate the age of the trees in the area (years).

3. Estimate the average diameter of the trees 1.3 m above the ground. (This is the diameter at breast height (dbh), a measurement used by foresters.)

4. Was the stand established naturally or was it planted? How can you tell? If the trees started from seed, where did the seed come from?

5. What kind of vegetation, if any, is growing on the forest floor?

Why is it growing there?

How healthy (vigorous) is it?

6. If you see any of the following species in the area, put a check mark beside their names:

Native Tree Species:

Introduced or Hybrid Tree Species:

7. Does there appear to be a problem with tree growth or development? Check the following if observed:

__ mistletoe on jack pine trees

__ canker worms or canker worm damage on aspen trees

__ unhealthy appearance to elm trees

__ leaf miner on birch trees

__ tent caterpillars

Tree Description Sheet

Describe two trees. If there are only coniferous or only deciduous trees, do two of the types available.
Note all the details you can.

1. Coniferous Tree Species:

a) Describe and draw the needles.

b) Describe the bark.

c) Estimate of tree diameter at 1.3m (dbh) above the ground. cm

d) Estimate of the height of tree.

e) Sketch the fruit (cone).

2. Deciduous Tree Species:

a) Sketch the leaf outline.

b) Describe the bark.

c) Estimate of diameter at 1.3 m (dbh) above the ground.

d) Estimate of height of tree.

e) Is the branching opposite or alternate?

3. Describe the "site" where the trees are growing in terms of:

a) soil (sand, clay, loam, etc.)

b) topography (flat, sloping, hilly, etc.)

c) shade (dense, medium, slight)

d) other details (wet, dry, etc.)

4. Do the trees look healthy?

5. Comment on general observations about the trees: