To make sample collecting and processing as simple and efficient as possible, collecting kits can be obtained from NHM.
One key problem making it difficult for collectors to adhere to desirable curation guidelines is that some of the supplies cannot be purchased in small enough quantities. By buying these supplies in bulk, we are able to make them available to collectors needing relatively small amounts. If you will be collecting large numbers of lots, consider ordering supplies directly from the vendors listed below.
Please visit our website for full collecting instructions, technique videos, and more.
Kit Contents
Our collection kits contain the following items:
Permanent Equipment
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Netting squares (255 µm mesh) | 2 × 1 ft2 |
| Funnel | 1 |
| Fine Science Tools blunt insect forceps | 1 |
| Squirt bottle | 1 |
| Small scissors | 1 |
| Bag to contain field collecting equipment | 1 |
Expendable Supplies
| Item | Needed for field use | Needed for lab use | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whirl-pak bags | 50 | Use field leftovers for bycatch | |
| Preprinted labels | 50 | ||
| Cotton | 12” × 24” sheet | ||
| Glass vials: small (1 dram) | 25 | For lots of 1–5 specimens | |
| Glass vials: medium (4 dram) | 25 | For lots of 5–10 specimens | |
| Glass vials: large (8 dram) | 25 | For lots of >10 specimens | |
| Vial containers (plastic): 30 ml | 25 | For transport/shipping | |
| Vial containers (plastic): 50 ml | 25 | For transport/shipping | |
| Screw cap vial (glass): 1 dram | 25 | For dry resting eggs/cysts only |
Refills of the “Expendable Supplies” are available (see below).
Obtaining Kits and Refills
We make these kits available to qualified collecting individuals and agencies. Because of limitations on how our institution operates financially, we are currently unable to charge for these kits. We request that you consider making a donation to our section so that we are able to offset our costs for these kits. Doing so will allow us to continue making them available.
Our own cost for the collecting kits is:
- $150 for a full kit (Permanent Equipment and one set of Expendable Supplies)
- $80 for a refill of the Expendable Supplies.
If you would like to make a donation to offset the cost of a kit or a set of expendable supplies, please do the following:
Make check payable to: Natural History Foundation
Check memo line: MBC, vernal pool research
Accompanying note or letter:
1. Text indicating that: This donation is in support of vernal
pool collections of the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.
2. Donor name or institution to acknowledge for the donation.
Address:
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
att. Dr. Regina Wetzer, Research and Collections
Marine Biodiversity Center
900 Exposition Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90007