Standardizing Data Collection at Denver Botanic Gardens

Jennifer Neale, Denver Botanic Gardens

As scientific programs at Denver Botanic Gardens continue to grow we are working to standardize data collection across all projects to enhance and improve data utility. We have developed uniform protocols for documenting biodiversity for all studies whether they regard demographic studies, ecological monitoring, seed conservation, or floristic surveys. Collection of specimens and associated tissue samples has been incorporated into all studies, along with a methodical approach for tracking field photography, to ensure robustness, consistency, and cross-application of data. With the implementation of these new protocols we are readily able to share data with larger platforms such as the Global Genome Biodiversity Network (GGBN), Integrated Digitized Biocollections (iDigBio), and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF).