Keys to the Past, Insight to the Future: Paleoecology and the Importance of Environmental History Tracking Climate Change through Phenology Monitoring: Using Nature’s Notebook as a Tool LoriAnne Barnett Education Coordinator, USA-NPN

Introduction to Phenology What is Phenology?

Introduction to Phenology What is Phenology?

Phenology Observation Program Overview Introduction to Phenology USA National Phenology Network Why Citizen Science? Using Nature’s Notebook Programs in Action

Introduction to Phenology What is phenology? Nature’s calendar Blooms and buds Hibernation, migration, emergence Easy to observe from leaf to globe Why does it matter? Growth rate and range Animal – plant – climate relationships Management strategies Health implications Agricultural uses

Introduction to Phenology Who observes phenology? Scientists Gardeners Agriculturists Land managers Youth Famous historical figures Stink bug trap crops (right) adjacent to soybean in October in north Florida Photo courtesy of: Northern Florida Research and Education Center, Mizell, R. F.

Introduction to Phenology Discussion: What seasonal changes have you noticed in the last 12 months that are different than you remember from the past year? Past 5 years? Past 20 years? Have you ever kept a nature journal or calendar? Do you wish you had? How would it be useful to you today? How does phenology directly relate to your life? Our lives on this planet?

Introduction to Phenology Phenology and History Why should we be involved? Science and climate literacy Outdoor experiences Participate in scientific process

Introduction to Phenology History and Phenology Research, spring timing and range Photo by Scot Miller 43 species at Walden Pond bloom 7 days earlier than 150 years ago Blueberries flower 21 days earlier 27% of the species are no longer there Importance of legacy datasets (Primack and Miller-Rushing, 2012) S PECIES AND E COSYSTEMS ARE INFLUENCED BY GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE Walden Pond

Introduction to Phenology History and Phenology Cloned Plants Project H ISTORIC L ILAC N ETWORK E STABLISHED IN THE 1950 S S ANTA R ITA E XPERIMENTAL R ANGE, G REEN V ALLEY, AZ Began in 1950s by Joe Caprio Series of lilacs and data at Experimental Ranges across US for improve predictions of crop yield, pest management and bloom dates Clones minimize variations between locations Predict the spring index and provide comparable data Became part of the UW - Milwaukee Indicator Observation Program S. vulgaris (common lilac), S. x chinensis (Red Rothromagenisis), C. florida (Appalachian Spring Dogwood)

Phenology, in short, is a “horizontal science” which transects all ordinary biological professions. Whoever sees the land as a whole is likely to have an interest in it. –A. Leopold

Introduction to Phenology Phenology and Climate Change Research, spring timing and range A three-way mismatch English Oak Winter Moth Pied Flycatcher Both et al Nature EARLIER SAME TIME EACH YEAR EARLIER

Introduction to Phenology

Phenology Observation Program Overview Introduction to Phenology USA National Phenology Network Why Citizen Science? Using Nature’s Notebook Programs in Action

A NATIONAL NETWORK OF INTEGRATED PHENOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS ACROSS SPACE AND TIME. Primary goal To encourage observation of phenological events and understand how plants, animals and landscapes respond to environmental variation and climate change. Mission Make phenology data, models and related information available to scientists, resource managers and the public. Encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to observe and record phenology. USA National Phenology Network

Network Tools Standard methods for data collection Basic and applied research Decision-support tools Education and outreach Nature’s Notebook Legacy Datasets Citizen Science Project USA National Phenology Network

A Multi-taxa, National-scale Phenology System What’s Nature’s Notebook? A national plant and animal phenology observation program. Online monitoring system ∙ Citizen Science/Scientist contributions ∙ Core protocols ∙ Dynamic data visualizations ∙ Network of partners

USA National Phenology Network Engage observers with Nature’s Notebook and data collection through providing directed scientific outdoor experiences and opportunities to interpret data. 1.Science and Climate Literacy 2.Science-Nature-Self Relationships 3.The Integration of Science and Education Education Program Goals

USA National Phenology Network 630 plant species and 230 animal species 1196 observers reporting (4107 total) making ~100,000 observations

USA National Phenology Network Research needs Standard, long-term, accessible data set Interactive tools for visualization Plant and animal species data for multiple locations Focal species Multiple and long-term observations Regional and continental scale data Tracking patterns of migration and plant phenology is the first step in identifying responses to climate change such as phenological mismatches. (Nature’s Notebook 2011: Data & Participation Summary, March 2012)

USA National Phenology Network Recent and unusual rise in global temperature Understand plant & animal response Record early/late spring & fall events Ecosystem shift

Phenology Observation Program Overview Introduction to Phenology USA National Phenology Network Why Citizen Science? Using Nature’s Notebook Programs in Action

Why Citizen Science? What Is Citizen Science? Engages volunteers Expands ability of scientists Teaches scientific methods Public and professional scientists Research teams Educate and generate data Meet science & research goals Eliminates gloom and doom Citizen Science Info

Why Citizen Science? Personal Interactions Backyard observations Trail observations Share your data set Data analysis Join the conversation! “H AVING A REASON AND A MECHANISM FOR PAYING ATTENTION TO THE NATURAL WORLD AROUND ME ENRICHES MY LIFE.” — H ANS

Phenology Observation Program Overview Introduction to Phenology USA National Phenology Network Why Citizen Science? Using Nature’s Notebook Programs in Action

Using Nature’s Notebook Phenophase Definitions What is a phenophase? An observable stage in the annual lifecycle of a plant or animal that can be defined by a start and end point. Often having a duration of a few days or weeks.

Using Nature’s Notebook Phenology Monitoring Methods EventDate First arrival5-Apr First egg22-Apr Event Monitoring Captures First instance of phenological event Phenology of species with predictable series of events Does not capture Sampling Frequency Estimated error in event date Unusual events Repeat events Duration of phenological stages

Using Nature’s Notebook Phenology Monitoring Methods Abundance and Intensity Captures Sampling frequency Error around date estimate Absence Unusual events Multiple occurrences of a phenophase in one year Phenophase duration Do you see…29-Mar5-Apr11-Apr17-Apr22-Apr28-Apr5-May15-May Adults present? NYYYYYYY Nest with eggs? ?NNYYNNY

Using Nature’s Notebook Event ActivityReproductionDevelopment Day of year Phenology Monitoring Methods Status & Abundance Status

Using Nature’s Notebook Sample Nature’s Notebook data sheet Status Event Abundance – how many?

Phenophase Discussion: Draw or describe each of the phenophases for leaves in your own way

Phenophase Discussion: Draw or describe each of the phenophases for leaves in your own way

Phenophase Discussion: Draw or describe each of the phenophases for leaves in your own way

Using Nature’s Notebook Let’s Go Outside!!! Bring with you: Pencil/Pen and Paper Hand outs – data sheet and phenophase definition page General plant ID skills Thinking caps! Species tagged: 1.American Basswood – Tilia americana Regional plant species Allergen 2.Black Walnut – Juglans nigra Regional plant species Allergen 3.Ohio (Texas) Buckeye - Aesculus glabra

Using Nature’s Notebook 1.Select and delineate a site 2.Select plant and animal species 3.Tag individual plants 4.Record your observations 5.Report your data online Five Steps:

Using Nature’s Notebook 1. Select and delineate a site A site is the area within which you will look for your species you choose to observe. When you select a site, such as your yard or a nearby natural area, consider these guidelines: Convenience and easily accessible. Representative location of the environmental conditions for your area. Flat, gentle slope..

Using Nature’s Notebook 1. Select and delineate a site Uniform habitat Appropriate size - < 15 acres Plants and animals? Your backyard PROPER PERMISSION! Agency may already be participating No trespassing More than 20 feet from building

Using Nature’s Notebook 2. Select Plant and Animals Choose from list Calibration species Ecological importance Big-picture Proper identification Data quality! One - three plants for variation Use comments 3. Tag your plants! Ease of location Can always find them!

Using Nature’s Notebook Get Started!

Using Nature’s Notebook

4. Record Observations To make observations, you will need: Phenophase definitions and instructions Datasheets, clipboard, pencil: You can download and print a datasheet for each plant or animals from the profile page Binoculars (optional)

Using Nature’s Notebook 4. Record Observations To make observations, you will need: Phenophase definitions and instructions

Using Nature’s Notebook 4. Record Observations YES NO UNCERTAIN No record if you did not check

Using Nature’s Notebook

Frequency of Observations As often as possible At least once a week All observations are valuable ! Time of Day Convenient Consistent Daytime Keep looking for a phenophase even if it has ended.

Using Nature’s Notebook 46 Plants: Make repeat observations of the same individual plants for as long as you are recording data.

Using Nature’s Notebook Animals: Create a checklist for your site, look and listen for ALL species EACH time you visit. In some cases there may be many animals (mammals, amphibians, insects, etc.) that could visit your site.

Using Nature’s Notebook Why? Phenophases may be triggered by moisture and not just temperature Negative data is valuable Conditions may change rapidly More data = better analysis Climate shift may be changing when events occur

Using Nature’s Notebook 5. Enter Observations Online As frequently as possible Follow the step-by-step questions Enter data for all species collected each time

Using Nature’s Notebook

Resources available to you: Frequently Asked Questions Link on Website Mobile Apps for Android and iPhone

Using Nature’s Notebook 1.Select and delineate a site 2.Select plant and animal species 3.Tag individual plants 4.Record your observations of animals and plants 5.Report your data online REVIEW Five Steps:

Using Nature’s Notebook Resources available to you: Online training materials for Nature’s Notebook at home Volunteer/community engagement tips Plans for implementation of Phenology Gardens and Trails Assistance from the USA-NPN Education Specialist on how to tailor Nature’s Notebook to your needs

Phenology Observation Program Overview Introduction to Phenology USA National Phenology Network Why Citizen Science? Using Nature’s Notebook Programs in Action

Tucson Phenology Trail Currently 7 locations Biosphere 2 UA Campus Sam Hughes Neighborhood PimaExtension Offices Santa Rita Experimental Range Tucson Audubon Mason Center Tumamoc Hill Total of 75 Miles, start to finish 3-10 species tagged at each

Programs in Action

Phenology Observation Program Collecting systematic information about species life cycles will allow us to build a long term data set. We then may begin to understand how our ecosystems are responding to a changing environment.

Thank you! LoriAnne Barnett You’re invited to connect with USA-NPN… Sign up for a phenology e-newsletter (quarterly) Join the Nature’s Notebook community and become an observer: Contribute to science while having fun! Discover new tools and resources for work or play LoriAnne Barnett