Work Hard, Play Hard

   Everyone was eager to get our hands dirty in the field today. We learned how to use new instruments such as densiometers and clinometers as well as the proper way to measure parameters like tree height and diameter of stems.  We set up practice plots to exercise our new skills. We are quickly becoming prepared to make our way out to Dr. Meyer’s transects and contribute to a growing dataset on Kalahari vegetation. For now, camp is quiet, the first day of field work calls for a post-lunch siesta.

Setting up our practice transect.



Natalie using circumference to find the diameter of the trunk; a tree hugger.


Francisco, our TA, overseeing the measurements along transects.