LoriAnne Barnett, Education Coordinator, USA-NPN Extension volunteers engage in phenology monitoring and climate education

Phenology Observation Program Overview Introduction to Phenology USA-National Phenology Network Using Nature’s Notebook Extension Models in Action

Introduction to Phenology What is phenology? Nature’s calendar Blooms and buds Hibernation, migration emergence Easy to observe from leaf to globe Value of phenology Phenology data helps us understand how plants, animals and landscapes respond to environmental variation and climate change.

Applications of Phenology Data Conservation Resource management Agriculture Ecosystem services Science Health Emerging science tools 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.)

Introduction to Phenology Phenology and Climate Change 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 Rushing, 2012) S PECIES AND E COSYSTEMS INFLUENCED BY GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE

Phenology Observation Program Overview Introduction to Phenology USA-National Phenology Network Using Nature’s Notebook Extension Models 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

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

Network Tools Standard methods for data collection Long-term datasets Basic and applied research Decision-support tools Education and outreach Nature’s Notebook 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 630 plant species and 230 animal species 1196 observers reporting (4107 total) making 97,237 observations

USA National Phenology Network 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.

USA National Phenology Network To make observations, you will need: Phenophase definitions and instructions

USA National Phenology Network 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

USA National Phenology Network 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

USA National Phenology Network Event ActivityReproductionDevelopment Day of year Phenology Monitoring Methods Status & Abundance Status

USA National Phenology Network 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 Using Nature’s Notebook Extension Models in Action

Using Nature’s Notebook Get Started!

Using Nature’s Notebook Nature’s Notebook Online Interface

Using Nature’s Notebook Resources available to you: Frequently Asked Questions Link on Website Mobile Apps for Android and iPhone

Using Nature’s Notebook Resources available to you: Online training materials for Nature’s Notebook at home Webportal for Extension Programs: 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 Using Nature’s Notebook Extension Models in Action

Cooperative Extension and Nature’s Notebook

Extension Models in Action University of Arizona Cooperative Extension Training MG Volunteers as citizen scientists, through MG curriculum Master Naturalist chapters as Geographic Affiliates Training groups of volunteers as phenology monitors Utilizing networks of gardens as locations for phenology data collection Supporting existing Extension Program buy-ins with methods for climate education Facilitating local Phenology Trail Networks

Extension Models in Action Tucson Phenology Trail Network Currently 6 locations Biosphere 2 UA Old Main and Krutch Garden Sam Hughes Neighborhood Pima Extension Offices – N. Campbell and Green Valley Santa Rita Experimental Range Tumamoc Hill - TBD Total of 75 Miles, start to finish 3-10 plants tagged at each site

Extension Models in Action Collaboration between Specialists, Range/Ag Center, and Agents Historic Lilac at Santa Rita Experimental Range 1950s – first extensive phenological observation network through Ag Experiment Stations USDA used phenology to characterize seasonal weather patterns to improve crop yield J.M. Caprio, Montana State University, 1956, employed volunteers in 12 western states, ultimately utilizing 2,500 volunteers Common purple lilac (S. vulgaris) initially, then honeysuckle in Switch to Red Rothomagensis lilac (S. chinensis). Eastern Network established in 1970, still supported by USA-NPN Long Term Data Set

Thank you! LoriAnne Barnett Will Sheftall Esperanza Stancioff Peter Warren 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