Field Work Safety, Planning, & Practices
Field Work Objectives
- List planning considerations related to safe and effective field work.
- Provide characteristics of moss plants, including how they relate to the course topics of biodiversity, ecology, and conservation biology.
Field work is the term used for research outside of the laboratory or library. This means leaving the controlled and convenient lab setting for the unpredictable complexity of nature.
In the field, new variables can be found, and hypotheses can be tested in real-world conditions.
Field work typically indicates work outdoors, but an unexplored basement or closet can also produce unexpected variables.
Field Work
Effective planning includes:
- Selection of locations that provide information (data) on research organisms
- Minimal cost in fuel and equipment wear and tear
- A schedule of tasks to be completed
- A materials list, including necessary field kits
- Safety considerations specific to the location
Planning involves setting reasonable goals and outlining the steps you can take to safely and efficiently reach those goals. Planning takes practice just like other skills. As we are selecting field sites for each week in the course, we are laying out expectations and building matching field kits.
Field work can in some form work for everyone; make plans with bathroom breaks, even terrain, & rest stops.
One of the most significant considerations in field work is clothing (including shoes) that protect, are comfortable, and don’t take time or focus away from activities. Even on a brief trail walk, exposed skin can be damaged. You don’t need expensive field gear, but in case you are looking for coats, shoes, etc., we have a recommendation on buying used in the resource section.
You may be studying organisms on location
In upcoming media piece assignments you may want to observe organisms on location. Assignments can be successfully completed indoors, but we want to make sure everyone is prepared for field work in case that becomes an option.
In field work, it is best to travel with someone, respect private & public lands, and obey posted signs.
Continuing on our theme of studying small and often overlooked organisms like barnacles or wasps, we are heading out to study moss.
When we see “moss” we are typically viewing a population of many individual plants that have grown together. Moss doesn’t have roots, but does have small ridged structures that allow them to grow on many surfaces. Despite a delicate appearance and the need for water to grow and reproduce, many moss species are tough, surviving on foot paths, going dormant in drought conditions, and colonizing disturbed soil.
In this photo, there are at least two species of moss indicating that this is a c______.
In the Pacific Northwest we have several gardens that feature moss, including the Portland Japanese Garden.
We will explore moss through the course topic lenses, starting with biodiversity.
Ecologically, moss plants that grow on the ground stabilize the soil and all moss provide moist nutrient-rich habitats for small organisms and food for many species, and nesting material for birds and mammals. Moss can quickly absorb and retain water. Here is moss in our yard before our first significant fall rain.
And here is the same moss the next day, already greening up.
In a conservation biology sense, diverse moss species support numerous organisms and are a indicator of forest health.
People sometimes view moss as a menace, damaging roofs and sidewalks. Although they do release weak acids, there is not compelling research evidence that they are causing the damage seen on older structures. Moss in a lawn or growing on a fence were once seen as the sign of a negligent homeowner. Now many people develop moss gardens.
The next section introduces laboratory work, often done indoors or in a controlled setting like a garden.
Check your knowledge. Can you:
- list planning considerations related to safe and effective field work?
- provide characteristics of moss plants, including how they relate to the course topics of biodiversity, ecology, and conservation biology?
Go back to the Habits & Practices Page
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Research Lecture Guide Contents
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