About field data slips

Field data slips (FDS) are filled out for each specimen you intend to save. Field data slips are reminders of important information to photograph in the field and to help you with organization before uploading observations and receiving your iNaturalist (iNat) or Mushroom Observer (MO) permanent observation number.

How to use field data slips

When participating in a foray or while out on a hike, simply take a picture of the slip with the specimen and store the slip with the sample. This allows the number on the slip to be associated with the specimen, simplifying organization when you are dealing with many specimens and images. Photographic the specimen with the slip also records the size of the specimen since each slip has rulers on two sides, which increases the scientific value of your collections. Take more photos of each specimen in the field without the slip, since the white paper tends to distort color balance. Learn more about making high quality observations.

When you dry your specimen, remove the bottom left corner of the slip and keep it with the specimen so it stays organized. When mushrooms dry they will change their size, color, and often look unrecognizeable. Once your specimens are dry, put the upper portion of the data slip in a plastic bag with the specimen. Congratulations, you now have a vouchered specimen! Learn more about drying and keeping your collections organized.

Download field data slips

Blank Field Data Slips (4 slips per page)
This PDF is formatted to print single-sided on standard letter sized paper (8.5”in x 11”in), with 4 slips per page. The temporary field ID #s are blank.

PDF: Blank Field Data Slips (4 slips per page)

Printing Instructions
1) Download Field Data Slip pdf
2) Optional: type in temporary unique ID #s in Adobe Photoshop or write in temporary unique ID #s after you print
3) Print Settings > Select Scale: Fit to paper
4) Print



Field Data Slips with Random ID Number Generator (Adobe Acrobat Only)

Small PDF: Field Data Slips with Random ID #s (20 slips on 5 pages)

Large PDF: Field Data Slips with Random ID #s (80 slips on 20 pages)

These PDFs are formatted to print single-sided on standard letter sized paper (8.5”in x 11”in), with 4 slips per page. Download these PDFs only if you can print them with Adobe Acrobat. These temporary field IDs have a random number generator code so that your field slips print with temporary ID numbers

Adobe Acrobat Printing Instructions
1) Download Field Data Slip pdf
2) Open pdf in Adobe Illustrator
3) File > Print
4) PDF Portfolio Printing Options > select "All PDF files in this portfolio"
5) Pages to print > select "All PDF files"
6) Page sizing & handling > select "Actual Size"
7) Print
*Important*: Only print 1 copy at a time or else the number generator won't work.