Checking the Infrared Counter – Updated 2021
This video review how to check and maintain the TRAFx Infared Counter.
Presented by: Aaron Budris, Senior Planner, Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments
Enter Your Volunteer Hours
Conducting Manual Counts – Updated 2021
- The IR Counters are calibrated by comparing the sensor counts to manual counts conducted by volunteers.
- Each site should complete at least 10 hours of manual counts during the course of the year.
Training Materials and Resources:
- Watch this on the trail video about how to conduct manual counts
- Watch this webinar about how to conduct manual counts
- Download the Manual Count Form
- View the Manual Count Instructions document
- TSC Progress Tracker- Manual Counts
2021 Guidance for QR Surveys
Due to social distancing requirements, no face to face intercept surveys should be conducted in 2021.
- All data collection sites have been allocated lawn signs and posters for collection of data through the QR Survey. Respondents can use their cell phone or mobile device to scan the QR code and link directly to the web based survey.
- Volunteers should check the signs each week and notify the Census of any changes
2016-2019 Resources for Intercept Surveys
- Survey trips will be organized by the Site Coordinator and should have at least 2 volunteers for safety.
- Each site should aim to collect between 100 and 300 surveys.
- Survey trips should vary in the day of week and time of day when possible.
Downloadable Resources:
Digging Into the 2017 Data
This webinar was held after the first full year of data had been collected. It was offered to show interesting patterns and trends in the data and potential hypotheses for future research. Listen here or click the image to view the presentation slides.
Presented by: Kristina Kelly, CTTC Statewide Coordinator
2020 Refresher Webinar Presentation for Trail Site Coordinators
Click the image above to view the training recording or download the slides (PDF)
2017 Manual Count Webinar
This webinar provides an overview of how to conduct manual counts to calibrate infrared counters. Listen here or click the image to view the presentation as a PDF.
Presented By Laura Brown, UConn Extension and Aaron Budris, Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments
Data Collection 101
This slide show was presented during the three face to face training programs taught throughout the state in April 2017. The focus of this training is on the techniques for intercept survey data collection.
Presented By Laura Brown, UConn Extension and Aaron Budris, Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments
2020 Trail Site Coordinator (TSC) Duties
TSCs should check the survey signage weekly for vandalism and the counter sensors at least twice a month to ensure they are operating correctly and that the sensors are clear. Frequent checking of the counters ensures uninterrupted and accurate data collection!
- Ensure sensor is working correctly.
- Clear debris from the sensor scope using a Q-tip.
- Make sure devices are dry and the protective gray box is intact.
- Report any issues to cttrailcensus@gmail.com right away.
Downloadable Resources:
2016 Program Welcome Webinar
This 27 minute webinar provided an overview of the Connecticut Trail Census, project origins, data to be collected and general requirements of trail coordinators and volunteers. Available as slides.
Presented By Laura Brown, UConn Extension and Aaron Budris, Naugatuck Valley Council of Governments
2016-2019 Trail Site Coordinator (TSC) Duties
Download the TSC Responsibilities Checklist here.
TSCs should check the sensors at least 2x a month to ensure they are operating correctly and that the sensors are clear. Frequent checking of the IR Counters ensures uninterrupted and accurate data collection!
- Ensure sensor is working correctly.
- Clear any debris from the sensor scope using a Q-tip.
- Make sure devices are dry and the protective gray box is in tact.
- Report any issues to cttrailcensus@gmail.com right away.
Downloadable Resources: