You will need a standard 12"x12" paver. You can find these at any home improvement or garden center. 

Decide what area you want to monitor and place the paver into the ground, so it is nearly flush with the soil's surface.  Make note of its location, distance from buildings and roads, and surrounding landscaping. Record this information in the site's registration. 

Leave the paver in place for 3-4 weeks before making an observation.

Record the date, time, and weather conditions on a data sheet. 

Lift the paver and watch the soil beneath it for about 30 seconds, counting the organisms you see.  Remember that many soil organisms are camouflaged, so watch for movement. 

Tally up the organisms you notice.  It is not necessary to identify organisms 'to species.'  If you see something you can't identify, note this.

Visit the 'Get Involved' page to submit your data by completing the form*. 

Select your observation site from the list and enter the data you collected.  Hit submit to enter it. Your data will be added to the database.

*Note that your site will not appear if you have not registered it first.  Please allow 7-10 business days after registration

Visit the Data Portal and use the interactive reports to explore how your site compares with others, how weather and temperature impact soil organisms in your area, and any patterns in activity. 

Use this information to investigate ways to improve your ecosystem and/or keep it healthy in the future.