Req 8c — Option C: Field Botany
Field Botany takes you out of the garden and into the natural world. You will visit natural areas, identify native and exotic plants, use dichotomous keys, press voucher specimens, research rare plants, and conduct a structured field study. Every sub-requirement must be completed—this is not a pick-one option like Req 8 itself.
What You’ll Complete
- Req 8c1 — Observing a Natural Area: Visit a park, forest, or Scout camp and observe how dominant plants, shade, and environmental factors shape what grows where.
- Req 8c2 — Native vs. Exotic Plants: Select a 100×100-foot study site, list 10 woody and 10 non-woody plants, and determine which are native versus exotic.
- Req 8c3 — Identification Keys and Scientific Names: Use a dichotomous key to identify 10 plants and explain why scientific names matter more than common names.
- Req 8c4 — Pressing and Mounting Specimens: Collect, press, mount, and label 10 plants and explain the value of herbarium voucher specimens.
- Req 8c5 — Rare Plants: Research your state’s rare plant list, learn what protections are in place, and write a paragraph about one species.
- Req 8c6 — Field Study Method (Choose One): Complete all requirements in exactly one of five structured field methods: Tree Inventory, Transect Study, Nested Plot, Herbarium Visit, or Plant Conservation Organization Visit.
Preparing for the Option
Start early: requirements 8c1–8c5 require visits to natural areas, and 8c4 (pressing specimens) needs lead time—pressed plants take 1–2 weeks to dry completely. Coordinate with your counselor before collecting any plants to confirm which species may be collected on the property you intend to use.
A field notebook is your most important tool throughout this option. Record dates, locations (GPS coordinates or clear descriptions), weather conditions, and everything you observe—your counselor will expect to discuss your field notes.