FERN FOREST MODULE 1: GRID CONSTRUCTION

Objectives

• Construct a hexagonal grid of equally spaced cover boards
  

• Place two cover boards (one of each type) at each grid location
  

• Learn to work together as part of a team
  

Logistics

• Obtain two types of cover boards: plywood (1.27 cm thick) and roofing felt (#30, United Roofing Manufacturing Co. Inc.)
  

• Cut cover boards to measure 60 x 60 cm.
  

• Set up an array of five rows that contained 38 sampling points (eight points in the first, third and fifth rows, seven points in the second and fourth rows). The sampling points were arranged in a hexagonal pattern, with 10 m between each point. A hexagonal arrangement of sampling points makes the most efficient coverage of habitat by boards within an array (Reading, 1997).
  

• Place two cover boards (one plywood and one felt board) at each of the 38 sampling points.
  

References
Reading, C.J. (1997). A proposed standard method for surveying reptiles on dry lowland heath. Journal of Applied Ecology 34: 1057-1069.

Tools

• Grid construction is inexpensive and easy. Plywood and felt cover boards are easily obtained at a hardware or home store at a cost of approximately $2.00 per 60 cm x 60 cm board.
  

• Measuring tapes or ropes are needed to measure distances between cover boards.
  

• A compass may also be useful on irregular terrain.
  

Main Contact:
Dr. John Baker, 954-475-6870

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This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 9653672. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.