Plant Walk Checklist

A plant walk needs more preparation than choosing a route and inviting people. You need time to scout the path, mark risks, coordinate guides, prepare plant lists and maps, and arrange a clear registration point. This checklist takes you from route planning to the final setup, including refreshments, first aid, tick removal and an alternative route. Use it to keep participant information, equipment and last-minute checks on schedule.

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

  • Set route and rest stops

    2 people

  • Reserve start and finish locations

  • Scout the walking route in advance

    2 people

  • Record risks along the route

    2 people

  • Send invitations

  • Process registrations

  • Collect dietary requirements

  • Send participant information

  • Check the weather forecast

  • Confirm the alternative route

  • Make plant list and route maps

    2 people

  • Print route maps

  • Prepare name badges

  • Coordinate plant knowledge of guides

    3 people

  • Check first aid and tick-removal supplies

  • Do the shopping

    2 people

  • Chill drinks

  • Prepare snacks

    3 people

  • Bring materials to the venue

    2 people

  • Set up tables and chairs

    3 people

  • Set up the reception table

    2 people

  • Install route signs

    2 people

  • Place lighting along the finish line

    2 people

Event

  • Register participants

    2 people

  • Hand out name badges

  • Serve welcome drinks

    2 people

  • Give safety instructions

  • Divide the group into walking groups

    2 people

  • Guide the plant walk

    4 people

  • Check group sizes at intermediate stops

    2 people

  • Hand out water at the rest stop

    2 people

  • Guide participants back

    4 people

  • Serve coffee and tea

    2 people

  • Serve snacks

    2 people

  • Refill drinks

  • Lead the plant quiz

    2 people

  • Give the final information and thank-you

Aftercare

  • Collect tableware

    2 people

  • Collect and sort waste

    2 people

  • Clear tables and chairs

    3 people

  • Clean the venue

    3 people

  • Remove route signs

    2 people

  • Return materials

    2 people

  • Return borrowed materials

  • Wash reusable tableware

    2 people

  • Set damaged materials aside

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

  • Foldable tablesqty 4
  • Folding chairsqty 40
  • Party tent
  • Coat rack

Tableware

  • Reusable cupsqty 50
  • Reusable platesqty 50
  • Reusable cutleryqty 50
  • Coffee cupsqty 40
  • Serving boardsqty 4

Kitchen

  • Thermos flasksqty 6
  • Water jugsqty 4
  • Coolersqty 4
  • Serving spoonsqty 6

Equipment

  • Megaphone
  • Extension cordqty 2

Lighting

  • Rechargeable lampsqty 8
  • Flashlightsqty 4

Walking gear

  • Magnifying glassesqty 12
  • Plant guidesqty 8
  • Magnifying glassesqty 8

Organization

  • Route mapsqty 50
  • Clipboardsqty 8
  • Ballpoint pensqty 30
  • Name badgesqty 50
  • Wristbandsqty 50
  • Waterproof route coversqty 10
  • Directional signsqty 12
  • Barrier tapeqty 2
  • Markersqty 10

Safety

  • First aid kit
  • Tick removersqty 4
  • Safety vestsqty 6
  • Rain ponchosqty 10

Cleaning

  • Waste binsqty 4
  • Dishpanqty 2
  • Cleaning clothsqty 8

Catering

  • Groceries

Tips

  • Scout the full route before sending invitations. Record uneven ground, crossings, limited phone coverage and suitable rest stops, then allow extra time for slow walkers and plant identification.
  • Prepare the route information at least 3 days before the walk. Print enough maps for every participant or pair, add waterproof covers, and keep one marked master copy with the organizers.
  • Send participant details no later than 2 days beforehand. Include the start time, meeting point, walking distance, expected finish time, clothing advice and what to do if the weather changes.
  • Check guide coverage before the event, especially if the group is split across several stops. Make sure each guide knows the plant list and has a map, clipboard, pen and a way to address the group.
  • Set up the reception table at least 45 minutes before the start. Keep name badges, registration information and route maps together, and check first aid, tick-removal supplies, water and the alternative route before participants arrive.

Frequently asked questions

How early should I plan a plant walk?
Start route planning at least 3 to 4 weeks before the walk. This gives you time to scout the route, reserve the start and finish locations, invite participants and arrange guides.
How long should a plant walk route be?
Allow roughly 2 to 3 hours for a guided plant walk, including rest stops and explanations. Choose a route that can be shortened if participants walk more slowly or the weather changes.
When should I check the weather for a plant walk?
Check the forecast 48 hours before the event and again on the morning itself. Confirm the alternative route at the same time and send participants an update if the start, finish or route changes.
What safety supplies do I need for a plant walk?
Have a first aid kit, tick-removal supplies, water and a phone available for every walk. Mark hazards during the route scout and carry a map showing the nearest access point for assistance.

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