Rare Plant Program

How to Submit Data to the Inventory

The CNPS Inventory is based on the best available information on rare plant distribution and endangerment. All information we receive is shared with the California Natural Diversity Database (CNDDB) of the California Department of Fish and Game (DFG).

The California Natural Diversity Database is the largest, most comprehensive database of its type in the world. It presently contains more than 30,000 site specific records on California's rarest plants, animals, and natural communities. The majority of the data collection effort for this has been provided by an dedicated assemblage of biologists throughout the state and the west. The backbone of this effort is the Field Survey Form. This form is used to record field observations of rare, threatened, endangered, or sensitive species ("elements"). Paper copies of the Field Survey Form are available from DFG at 916/324-0563, or downloadable below:

Downloadable Field Survey Form

You must have Adobe® Acrobat Reader to view, fill out and print the PDF files -- see the navigation bar at left for a link to download this free software.

Native Species Field Survey Form (with fields, PDF, 60K)
(The above file contains fields so that you can complete the survey form within Adobe Acrobat Reader. To view and complete the form online, just click on the above link. To download a copy to your computer for use offline, right click (or option click) on the link and choose "Save Target As...." To fill out the form, just click on the area where you want to begin typing, then print and submit.)

Filling out Field Survey Forms

• Reports on known occurrences already present in CNDDB are as important as new site information, as it helps to track trends in population size and condition. 
• It is critical to include a map, typically a photocopied portion of a USGS topographic quadrangle map, with the population/stand clearly outlined or marked. Without a map, your information will be mapped less accurately, as written descriptions of locations are frequently hard to interpret. 
• Fill out the form as fully as possible. Of course, your name, telephone number, and email address are very important, in case we have any questions about your data. 
• If you are concerned about the sensitivity of the site, remember that CNDDB can label your element occurrence as "sensitive" in the computer, thus restricting access to the information. 
• To summarize, the CNPS Inventory and the California Natural Diversity Database are only as good as the information we receive, and we depend on people like you as the source of accurate, detailed, up-to-date information. 
• Please mail completed forms (with maps) to Nicholas Jensen, CNPS, 2707 K Street, Suite 1, Sacramento, CA 95816-5113.

If you have any questions about submitting information, please contact CNPS Rare Plant Botanist Nicholas Jensen at njensencnps.org or 916/324-3816.