Once you have spotted two or three different phenomena, keep checking them at other locations, preferably under natural conditions. One or two of them may be worthy of further pursuit. Being observant and perceptive is the key to most discoveries. For example, you may notice that a certain pin oak tree near the Hub has mature leaves that are quite variable in size and shape. Further examination reveals that the deeply dissected leaves are typically found in the periphery of the crown, the more entire leaves in the center and at the base of the tree.
Observations have to be documented in order to be communicated and verified by others.
The simplest and often most effective documentation is the collection and preservation of appropriate specimens. Plants lend themselves well to this approach. Photos and drawing are good substitutes. Thus, the observation is typically translated to the language of numbers and expressed in quantitative statements. In our pin oak example, you would collect a few leaf specimens and press and dry them.