CALIFORNIA BIODIVERSITY

VOLUNTEER HOMEPAGE

GET STARTED!

Now that you’ve joined the project, here are the steps you can expect to take.

Step 1: IDENTIFY YOUR TRIP LOCATION AND DATE

LOCATION

There are two options for selecting a location to collect soil and insect samples for this project. 

  1. Public Lands: Use the map below to assess a location where you would like to collect data. Permits are required to collect data samples for this project, therefore you may only select an area that is highlighted in the map. Based on your selection, the appropriate permit for this land will be provided to you with your gear shipment.

  2. Private lands: You may sample on private, undisturbed lands with permission from the owner. What is undisturbed land, you might ask? Any land that is 20ft or more away from a road, 20ft+ away from a compacted trail, and not agricultural land (nothing sprayed with pesticides). For example: land 20 ft away from a farm or vineyard is perfectly acceptable!

Please click on the map link below to review available sites for sampling. You will select your desired site and sampling date in the next step, when requesting your gear.

VIEW MAP

DATE

Identify an estimated week that you will be able to go and collect samples in your selected area. We ask that you prioritize selecting a trip date within a month’s time, given our limited gear supplies circulating between different volunteers. 

Please note that gear shipment takes approximately 1 week, so you will need to make sure to choose with enough lead time for your gear to arrive

Step 2: REQUEST YOUR GEAR

Please use the form below to state your planned trip location, date, and receive your gear!

Gear Shipment Form

Step 3: COMPLETE YOUR TRAINING

The following link will guide you to the training for this project. Please complete training prior to your trip date. If not completed, we will NOT be able to accept your collected samples!

You can revisit this training at any time for a refresher.

Step 4: GO OUT AND COLLECT SAMPLES

You are all set to go out and collect samples! Do you have any questions or need assistance? We have resources available to help. 

 

  • Check out our FAQ below for common questions 
  • Reach out to us at biodiversity@adventurescientists.org 
  • OR Schedule a time slot during our office hours! 

 

Once you’re back from the field and you’ve collected observations and data, make sure to: submit your samples via post, and check your outbox for any unsent data records!

Step 6: REQUEST MORE GEAR AND INVITE FRIENDS TO SAMPLE WITH YOU!

You’re awesome! You’ve rocked data collection and are ready to get out there again.

Use this form to request more gear to be able to get back out into the field. 

Submit fun photos from your outings here!

FAQs

Where do I go to collect samples?

Great question! Visit Step One to determine potential sampling locations. If you are still struggling to identify a location, please reach out to biodiversity@adventurescientists.org!

When will a permitted area for sample collection be available in my region?

Obtaining permits takes time! Please know we are actively working on additional permits, and cannot provide a timeline of when one will be available. Keep checking the map for the most accurate updates of available permitted land.

What do I do with my samples after I collect them?

Like mentioned in the training, please ship your samples within 24 hours of collection. If you are unable to do so:

Soil: Store in a refrigerator (but NOT a freezer). Ship samples within two weeks of collection. Note that the sample’s eDNA degrades over time. 

Insects: Store in a cool dark place and keep out of direct sunlight. Ship samples within two weeks of collection. Insects cannot be analyzed after two weeks.

Can I go into the field alone to collect data?

You are free to submit an application solo, but we highly encourage you to always bring one other person with you into the field for safety reasons.

Can I train my friends to collect data?

No, Adventure Scientists is solely responsible for the training of each of our volunteers. Your friends may help you take a GPS point or photos, but if they want to be more involved in sample collection, they’ll need to be trained. The training ensures that volunteers are capable of collecting top notch surveys.

When will I receive the gear and supplies?

Once you fill out the Request Gear Form in Step 2, you will be shipped a gear kit. Gear usually arrives within a week.

Any other questions?

Please email biodiversity@adventurescientists.org