Travel a trail

What can we use if we don't have ribbons, a measuring tape, or a notebook?

Use yarn or cloth strips tied to sticks instead of ribbons, count your normal steps or use a smartphone measuring app instead of a tape, and jot notes on scrap paper or a phone note instead of a notebook.

What should we do if trail markers keep falling over or people move them?

Replace lightweight ribbons with small stacked stones or tie ribbons tightly to thicker sticks and place markers in sheltered spots at each waypoint so you can reliably find the same spots again.

How can I change the activity for younger kids or make it harder for older kids?

For younger children shorten the route, pick 2–3 clear waypoints and let them draw pictures for each stop, while older kids can map 5–6+ waypoints, measure distances with a tape or GPS, and record more detailed observations and sketches.

How can we extend or personalize our trail map and observations before sharing them on DIY.org?

Enhance your simple map by adding a color-coded legend for ribbons, photos of each waypoint, a species or scavenger checklist at stops, and timing notes so your finished map and observations are richer when you share them on DIY.org.