Stake out a location
Choose and stake out a safe outdoor observation area using string, tent pegs, a compass, and notebook; measure boundaries and record wildlife or weather observations.
About this activity
Choose and stake out a safe outdoor observation area using string, tent pegs, a compass, and notebook; measure boundaries and record wildlife or weather observations.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Pick a flat safe outdoor spot where you want to watch nature.
- 2
Step 2
Use your compass to find North at that spot.
- 3
Step 3
Write the date time and the compass direction (North) in your notebook.
- 4
Step 4
Push the first tent peg into the ground at your chosen starting corner.
- 5
Step 5
Hold the compass at the first peg and face East to set the base direction.
- 6
Step 6
Measure your chosen base length from the first peg toward East with the tape measure.
- 7
Step 7
Push a second tent peg into the ground at the measured base end.
- 8
Step 8
Tie string between the first peg and the second peg and pull it taut.
- 9
Step 9
From the second peg use the compass to face South and measure the height of your observation triangle.
- 10
Step 10
Push a third tent peg into the ground at the measured spot to make a triangle.
- 11
Step 11
Tie string to connect all three pegs so the three sides are visible and taut to mark your observation area.
- 12
Step 12
Sit quietly at the edge of your triangle for 10 minutes and watch and listen for wildlife and weather changes.
- 13
Step 13
Write your observations in the notebook including time weather species counts and which compass directions things appeared from.
- 14
Step 14
Remove the pegs and string and tidy the area so it looks as it did before.
- 15
Step 15
Share your finished observation plot and notes on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do I stake out a safe outdoor observation area and record wildlife or weather observations?
Start by choosing a safe, flat outdoor spot away from hazards like roads, water, or thorny plants. Use tent pegs and string to mark a clear rectangular or circular boundary—measure sides by pacing or using a tape measure and note lengths in the notebook. Use a compass to record orientation and map the plot. Spend set observation sessions recording wildlife, tracks, or weather at regular times. Stay quiet, keep distance from animals, and have adult supervision throughout.
What materials do I need to stake out an observation plot with string and tent pegs?
Essential materials include string and tent pegs to stake the perimeter, a compass for orientation, and a notebook plus pencil for measurements and observations. Add a tape measure or meter stick to get accurate boundaries, binoculars for wildlife, simple ID guides, flags or colored cloth to mark corners, a stopwatch or phone for timed observations, sunscreen, water, and a small first-aid kit. Adult supervision and appropriate clothing are also important.
What ages is this outdoor staking and observation activity suitable for?
This activity suits different ages with supervision levels: ages 4–6 can help place pegs and draw in the notebook with an adult nearby; ages 7–10 can measure boundaries, use the compass with guidance, and record simple wildlife or weather notes; ages 11+ can plan the plot, take systematic observations, and analyze patterns. Always match tasks to the child’s attention, motor skills, and comfort outdoors, and ensure close adult supervision for younger children.
What safety tips should I follow when staking out an outdoor observation area?
Safety basics: pick a flat, legal area away from busy roads and deep water, and check for hazards like poison ivy or unstable ground. Push pegs fully into the soil and keep string visible with flags or bright tape to prevent tripping. Dress children in weather-appropriate clothing, bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a small first-aid kit. Keep a safe distance from wildlife—observe, don’t touch—and always have at least one responsible adult supervising.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have tent pegs, a compass, or a tape measure?
Use sturdy sticks or rocks in place of tent pegs, a smartphone compass app held flat during the 'hold the compass at the first peg and face East' step, and a length of string or a ruler marked on paper to measure the base length.
My pegs keep pulling out or the string sags—what should I do during setup?
Push tent pegs deeper with a small hammer or replace them with heavy sticks or rocks, shorten the base length before you 'tie string between the first peg and the second peg,' and pull the string taut while knotting to keep sides visible.
How can I adapt this observation activity for a 4-year-old or a 12-year-old?
For a 4-year-old make a tiny triangle close to hand using colored tape or flags and sit for 5 minutes with adult help pushing pegs, while for a 12-year-old increase the base length, extend observation time beyond the 10 minutes, and record detailed compass bearings and species counts in the notebook.
What are simple ways to extend or personalize our observation plot before sharing it?
Add colored labels to each peg, paste photos or sound clips taken during the 'sit quietly at the edge of your triangle for 10 minutes' step into your notebook, and include these annotated materials when you share your finished observation plot and notes on DIY.org.