What is a priority block?

Because of Michigan's large size, the five-year time Iimit, and the distribution of the observers, it is unlikely that all of the state can be surveyed at this time. In order to insure adequate coverage and obtain the data desired, "priority blocks" have been established. The goal is to survey all priority blocks. 

In the previous Atlas, all the blocks in the southern Lower Peninsula were priority blocks.  This time, one block from each township was randomly chosen as a priority block. In general, participants are encouraged to initially survey in priority blocks.  There are two other types of blocks: secondary and specialty blocks. Secondary blocks are, well, blocks of secondary priority!  These were also randomly chosen by Atlas Headquarters.  Further, there are specialty blocks, which are blocks in a township not designated as priority or secondary that contain special habitat.  You be the judge.

Because of the rapid urbanization of Wayne County, the county coordinator is aiming to cover every block in the county! That makes it a little easier. Once the local priority blocks have been covered, coverage of non-priority blocks can be emphasized. For example, if your residence is not in a priority block, you could survey in the nearest priority block as well as the block in which you live. 

Field work for a block can be done in one year or spread out over two or more years.  All participants should indicate the principal area(s) or atlas block(s) you wish to survey. You will be notified if other observers are active in the same area. In later years, you will be notified which blocks still need coverage.

Here is a list of priority blocks. Click here to see them on a map.