A Transect by Save the Redwoods League
What Is a Transect?
A transect is a real or imaginary line that people use to learn about a place by noting plants, animals and other things they find along it. Mike Fay, a National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence, walked along an 1,800-mile Redwood Transect following the Pacific coast from central California to southern Oregon.
Why Do a Transect?
Transects are a way to “sample” a place, without going to every spot there. They help people explore large areas in detail and to find patterns and connections. By hiking his Redwood Transect, Mike Fay was able to discover links between people, animals and plants in redwood forests.
Transect Tools
Redwood Transect, notebook, pencil or pen, colored pencils, camera, tape measure (optional)
How to Do Your Redwood Transect
1. Bring your Transect Tools to a nearby park.
2. Check with a park ranger about any safety concerns.
3. Choose a trail or path.
4. Take 10 steps (or measure 20 feet) along the trail and stop.
5. Try to find one of the items on the Redwood Transect.
6. In your notebook, describe or draw the item you see at this stop. Label it with the stop number (Stop 1, Stop 2, and so on).
7. Repeat steps 4 through 6 until you find all the items. If you reach the end of the trail before you find them all, try another trail!
8. Remember: Take nothing but memories, leave nothing but footprints. Plants, animals, rocks and other natural things should be left alone.
Where to Do Your Redwood Transect
You don't need redwoods to do this Redwood Transect—use it to explore any city, county or state park near you. If you can visit one of California's redwood parks (see map), try doing the Redwood Transect there.
Redwood Transect: How many can you find?
Take a photo during your transect and upload to our gallery.
