Online Learning Library

Trail Ecology Survey Program Hub

Get Started with the Trail Ecology Survey Program!
Are you interested in learning about the diversity of life surrounding our region’s trail system? Are you eager to protect these areas from invasive plants and forest pests that threaten the delicate balance of nature? Then follow these simple steps to become a Trail Ecology Surveyor, a volunteer role where you become a forest health detective!

After completing training and officially registering for our program, you will be assigned a 1-2 mile stretch of trail, convenient to your home or of interest to you, to search for a select list of high-priority invasive plants and native plants showing heightened resistance to invasive forest pests while you hike. It’s a great way to not only learn about what’s growing and thriving along our trails, but also how to help protect these treasured natural areas.

Start Your Training (Step-by-Step)

Complete your core training to become a Trail Ecology Surveyor
Learn the basics of how to identify, survey, and report on several high-priority invasive plants and native plants showing heightened resistance to forest pests. The data you collect as a volunteer helps set priorities for the management of these surveyed areas.

Step 1: Watch Workshop 1: Species Identification

Video overview of the Trail Ecology Survey Program, the target species on this year’s list, and how to tell them apart from other look-alikes

Watch Workshop 1

Step 2: Survey Procedures, Data Collection, and Reporting

Learn about the survey procedures for data collection and reporting, including introductions to helpful nature ID and reporting apps that enhance user confidence and communication.

Watch Workshop 2

Step 3: Complete a Trail Ecology Survey Program questionnaire

After completing both workshops, fill out the Surveyor Questionnaire so we can get you set up with a survey assignment that is convenient and of interest to you, and also is important to survey from an ecological perspective.

Fill out the Questionnaire

Step 4: Receive an Assignment from us to begin surveying

Once your workshops are completed and you’ve filled out the questionnaire, our staff will be in touch with you, generally within 2 weeks’ time of completing the form, with an individualized survey assignment. Our assignment email will be complete with parking instructions, a survey hike map, and reminders of resources you will need to succeed!

Step 5: Returning Data Following Survey

Once you have completed surveying your trail section, we kindly encourage volunteers to convert their field notes into digital format and submit to our team over email. This document provides instructions on how to do this

Download Guide

Required Resources

Download Guides, Forms, and Field Tools to Support Your Survey Work
Access quick reference materials and forms to support your Trail Ecology Survey fieldwork.

Trail Ecology Survey Program:
Species QuickID Guide

Key features and photos of species on the 2025 TESP Survey list.

Download Guide

Trail Ecology Survey Program: Key ID and Reporting Tips and Tricks

Top 10 List: Advice and pitfalls to avoid in identification and reporting for the 2025 Trail Ecology Survey Program

Download Guide

Trail Ecology Survey Program: Returning Data in Excel Format

Download this excel spreadsheet and transfer your handwritten field datasheet into this Excel format for submission to us via email

Returning Data Format (.xlsx)

Trail Ecology Survey Program:
Field Data Sheet

Printable PDF or Excel files for collecting field observations during surveys.

Trail Data Sheet Survey (.xlsx)

Trail Ecology Survey Data Sheet (.pdf)

Volunteer Service
Agreement

Complete the required service agreement if assigned to a State Park or Forest.

Access Agreement Forms