Sampling Kits
The sampling kit consists of all necessary equipment to complete site surveying, soil sampling, and invertebrate specimen collection. Each kit contained a 20 metre measuring tape to measure the length of the vegetation survey transect and envelopes to collect moss specimens found in the survey. Each kit also contained latex gloves, three different sized sterile Whirlpak sampling bags, a trowel, and antiseptic wipes, which were all used for the collection of soil samples and to ensure soils were not contaminated. For invertebrate specimen collection, each kit contained an aspirator to suck up mites and springtails, small collection tubes called cryovials, and a solution of alcohol used to store the specimens. The kits also contained a clipboard with site data sheets and pencils, for recording all data from the site survey and collection. These kits were carried in the backpacks of each pair collecting samples in the Janurary team, along with food, water, spare warm clothes, emergency gear and a first aid kit. By then end of the day, when carrying back to camp about 10 site samples, our back packs could become rather heavy!

Jonathan working in a rather precarious sample site. -Jonathan Banks

Mark and Don collecting samples. -Len Doel

Ian searching for Springtails and Mites. -Glen Stichbury

Mark using an aspirator to capture invertebrates. -Len Doel