Pitfalls Data Collected in Grassland and Woodlot

Data for the collection of species using pitfalls placed in a grid formation in both woodlot and grassland areas. Quantification and identification of species to determine abundance. These samples were collected in both a woodlot area as well as a grassland area, both of which were found on Northern Essex Communiy College's campus. 10 cups were placed in holes that were dug into the soil for each area, 20 pitfalls in total for the entire lab. The areas are differentiated by labels in the raw data. Using a trowel, holes were dug into the soil to fit the plastic cups used for the pitfalls. The lip of the cups were made flush with the soil, this is essential to collect organisms as they could then fall into the pitfall. This was done with excess dirt if the cup could not be fit into the ground far enough. The pitfalls were left in both the woodlot and grassland for one hour so that there was time for collection to take place. They were then retrieved and all organisms inside were classified and counted. Once this was done the organisms were then released back into the environment.