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A nature preserve near us has several miles of paved and unpaved trails and an "interactive trail map" that has markers along the way with descriptions of plants and animals nearby
(although not explicitly labeled).

What is required of the scouts to "identify or show evidence?" Discussion with adult once identified? Photographs? Written description in workbook of sights/sounds/smells?

If a leader who is skilled at plant and animal identification goes on the hike and helps point out the different plants and animals, is that sufficient?

If a leader is not present (ie, if the scout goes with a parent instead), what then?

Must the boys create plaster molds of tracks and/or pressed leaf books as shown in the handbook?

Thanks in advance.

Sure, whatever you decide is sufficient to show that the scout has achieved the skill.