By Penny Livingston-Stark

Observe, Collect Data, Observe

Available Resources – Acreage, Building Materials, Access, Fertility, Water, Energy Sources, etc.
Constraints
Water Flows – Annual rainfall
Temperatures – Extreme highs and lows as well as seasonal averages Solar Access - Insolation
Elevation and Slope
Wind Patterns – Yearly average, as well as, seasonal patterns
Wildlife Pathways, Riparian Zones, Hedgerows, Forests
Adjacent Property and Watershed Influences, Neighbors, Culture/Ext Community Soil – Texture, structure, fertility
Drainage
Geology
Utilities – Above and below ground
Existing Structures and Roads
History – Sacred sites, burial sites

SOIL

Soils Map – Available from the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) or Resource Conservation District (RCD)
Soil Analysis – Available from Agricultural Extension Service
Texture - Proportion of Clay/Sand/Silt
Structure – Available Nutrients, Organic Matter, Aeration/Compaction – Soil Health Erosion Concerns
Vegetation

WATER

Water Flows, Creeks, Seeps, Ponds, Lakes, etc. Water Rights
Surface and Subsurface Water Rainfall Pattern Grey and Black Water Potential
Water Harvesting and Storage Potential

PLANTS

Existing Vegetation, Species, Size and Health Indicator Plants
Resource Plants
Detrimental Plants (Invasive Species) Habitat Species

ANIMALS

Existing Animals, Domestic and Wild Human Impacts
Animal Pathways
Nests
Food, Shelter, Water Sources