Citizen Science Protocol
Protocol:
How do you monitor plants for Project BrownDown? Use the links below to find out how to pick your site, how to select a pair of native and non-native species, and how to get trained as an official volunteer. Scroll down the page to download important resources that will help you collect good quality data.
Project BrownDown Protocol - This document contains everything you need to know about selecting your species, finding a suitable site, marking your plants, and collecting and submitting data. Download protocol here...
Training opportunities- We offer an array of training opportunities for volunteers that want to be involved in Project BrownDown, from webinars, to in-person trainings, to classroom visits. Get trained here...
Special Cases Datasheets:
- Observations of evergreen species and wintergreen species
- Observations of species with many inflorescences (tiny flowers in clusters or spikes)
Data SheetsSite Description Form: Fill out one form per site you are monitoring.Plant Observation Datasheets: These datasheets apply to most plant species, with the exception of the special cases below.
Species ID Guides Use these guides to help correctly identify your plants. If you are still unsure if you have the right species after referring to these guides, e-mail us with photos and we will assist you in identification.
Phenophase GuidesThe purpose of these picture guides is to help you identify the phenophases of your plants.
Each plant species guide includes a description of the following:
Flower/fruit phenophases:
- Flower buds
- Flowers
- Petal drop
- Unripe fruit or seed
- Ripe fruit or seed
- Dispersed fruit or seed
Leaf phenophases:
- Initial leaf emergence
- Unfurling leaves
- Fully open leaves
- Senescing leaves
