Tucson Phenology Monitoring ProjectIntroduction to Phenology
Pim
a M
aste
r Gar
dene
rs a
nd U
SA-N
PN
Opening Activity
1. Using the card you have been given, find others in the group with the same SPECIES NAME.
2. Once you are in a group of 3 or 4, discuss what you know about the life cycles listed on the cards.
3. Share your answers with the class.
Phenology Observation Program
Overview
• Intro to Phenology • USA National Phenology Network• Research and Education• Site-based Programs• Using Nature’s Notebook • USA-NPN and Master Gardeners
Phenology Observation
Do you keep a journal? What do you notice about the seasons, here versus another part of the country?
What is different about this year?
Phenology is:Phenology refers to recurring plant and animal life cycle stages, or phenophases, such as leafing and flowering, maturation of agricultural plants, emergence of insects, and migration of birds.
Intro to Phenology
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.Leopold, A., and S.E. Jones. 1947. A phenological record for Sauk and Dane Counties, Wisconsin, 1935-1945. Ecological Monographs 17(1):81-122.
Intro 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 • Leading indicator of
climate change impacts
Applications of Phenology Data• Resource management• Conservation• Agriculture• Ecosystem services• Science• Health• Decision-support tools
Value of phenologyPhenology data helps us understand how plants, animals and landscapes respond to environmental variation
and climate change.
Intro to Phenology Observation
Who observes phenology?• Famous historical figures• Historical data sets• Gardeners• Youth• Scientists
How can our community be involved?
• Science and climate literacy• Outdoor experiences
• Participate in scientific process
Intro to Phenology
Phenology and Climate ChangeResearch, spring timing and range
Types of observed shifts• Timing of migratory bird arrivals (Root et al. 2003, Gordo 2007)• Timing of animal emergence (Inouye et al. 2000, Parmesan et al. 2003)• Timing of egg laying (Brown et al. 1999)
Changing Migration Patterns1977: 3,000 Brant overwintered in AlaskaToday: 40,000 overwinter(Ward et al. 2009)
Intro to Phenology
Phenology and Climate ChangeResearch, spring timing and range
Photo by Scot Miller
• 43 species at Walden Pond bloom 7 days earlier than in Thoreau’s time
• Blueberries flower 21 days earlier
• 27% of the species are no longer there
• Importance of legacy datasets
(Primack and Rushing, 2012)
SPECIESAND ECOSYSTEMS
INFLUENCED BY GLOBAL ENVIRONMENTAL
CHANGE
Intro to Phenology
Phenology and Climate ChangeResearch, spring timing and range
A three- way mismatch
English Oak
Winter Moth
Pied Flycatcher Both et al. 2006 Nature
EARLIER
SAME TIME EACH YEAR
EARLIER
Intro to Phenology
Research needs• Long-term, accessible data set• Interactive tools for visualization• Plant and animal species data for multiple
locations • Focal species
Results• Better understanding of changes
• Analysis of impacts• Communication
Phenology Observation Program
Overview
• Intro to Phenology USA National Phenology Network
• Research and Education• Site-based Programs• Using Nature’s Notebook • USA-NPN and Master Gardeners
A NATIONAL NETWORK OF INTEGRATED PHENOLOGICAL
OBSERVATIONS ACROSS SPACE AND TIME.
Primary goalTo 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
USA-National Phenology Network
Citizen Science Info
What Is Citizen Science?• Engages volunteers• Expands ability of scientists• Teaches scientific methods• Public and professional scientists• Research teams• Educate and generate data
• www.birds.cornell.edu/citsci/about• www.CitSci.org• www.scistarter.org
USA National Phenology Network
• Public Participation in Scientific Research (PPSR) From Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Citizen science, volunteer monitoring and other forms of organized research projects in which members of the public engage are included in the field
• Meet science & research goals• Invasive plants, birds,
bees/pollinators, earthquakes, infectious disease, astronomy, weather, wildlife, acid rain, oil spills, wildlife, rainfall, archaeology, pollution, “old weather”
USA-National Phenology Network
www.usanpn.org
A Multi-taxa, National-scale Phenology System
What’s Nature’s Notebook?A national plant and animal phenology observation program.
Thousands of passionate citizen scientists across the US share their observations with researchers, resource managers and others who use this information to understand our changing planet, make scientific discoveries, and create new tools.
USA National Phenology Network
Online monitoring system∙ 311 vetted plant species∙ 160 vetted animal species∙ Core protocols∙ Abundance & intensity reporting∙ Metadata & QA/QC methods∙ Dynamic data visualizations∙ Possible species additions by
request
USA National Phenology Network
311 plant species and 160 animal species 3160 observers at 4412 sites observing 5459 individual organisms
USA National Phenology NetworkPhenology Monitoring Methods
Event Date
First arrival 5-Apr
First egg 22-Apr
Event MonitoringCaptures• 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 NetworkPhenology Monitoring Methods
Abundance and IntensityCapturesSampling frequencyError around date estimateAbsenceUnusual events Multiple occurrences of a phenophase in one yearPhenophase durationDo you see… 29-Mar 5-Apr 11-Apr 17-Apr 22-Apr 28-Apr 5-May 15-May
Adults present?
N Y Y Y Y Y Y Y
Nest with eggs?
? N N Y Y N N Y
USA National Phenology Network
Event
Activity Reproduction Development
Day of year
Phenology Monitoring Methods
Status & Abundance
Status
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
USA-NPN Education Program Goals
USA National Phenology Network
USA-NPN Education Program• Connect people to nature
- Nature Deficit Disorder• Agency engagement programs• Formal/informal education• Climate and science literacy• Move beyond 'gloom and
doom' of climate change
Nature Journal Activity
Nature Journals• Include basic information: date, time, weather, species• Text or sketches• Topography, layout, land alteration• Science, reference later• Phenology journals can be seasonal observations or just
dates on a calendar
USA National Phenology Network
Take a Rest!!15 minute break
Phenology Observation Program
Overview
• Intro to Phenology • USA National Phenology Network
Research and Education• Site-based Programs• Using Nature’s Notebook • USA-NPN and Master Gardeners
Research and Education
Recent and unusual rise in global temperature• Understand plant & animal response• Record early/late spring & fall events• Ecosystem shift • Multiple and long-term observations
Research and Education
Combined Techniques
Satellite/Remote SensingPhotographsHand-recorded data
Research and Education
Data visualization
Research and Education
NPN dataset - Opportunity to broaden investigation to full ROI (St Louis, MO to NE Maine) (Fredl et al, 2012. Unpublished.)
• Common deciduous forest over-story trees, multi-species
• Data from 2009-2011 only• 100s of sites, though time-series
variable (sometimes sparse or discontinuous)
Can we detect the anomalously warm spring of 2010 in the NE US on organismal phenology?
NPN data visualization tool Emerging leaves or first leaf date (FLD)
• Q: Advanced FLD in 2010 relative to 2009 and 2011?
Research and EducationCan we detect the anomalously warm spring of 2010 in the NE US on organismal phenology?
Problematic because we collective considerMultiple sitesMultiple individualsMultiple observers
But, we are interested in population-level effects…
Research and Education
USA-NPN Resources Available for Facilitation
Volunteer training materials• Workshop agendas and powerpoints,
brochures, templates• Curriculum for upper middle, high school
and adult programs• Online training materials
Site-based resources• Phenology trail and garden templates
USA-NPN EDUCATION PROGRAM STAFF CAN ASSIST WITH PROGRAM DESIGN & IMPLEMENTATION ON
THE REFUGES.
Research and Education
• Phenology is a teaching tool – can teach scientific process• Citizen science programs can assist with limited staffing
• Volunteers or partnerships with agencies (Extension) can make monitoring more robust
Phenology Observation Program
Overview
• Intro to Phenology • USA-NPN and USFWS Partnership• Research and Education
Site-based Programs• Using Nature’s Notebook• USA-NPN and Master Gardeners
Site-based Programs
Workshops & Tours• How to observe• Local species talks• Campus plant and tree walks • Demonstration gardens• Master Gardener Class with
Phenology chapter• Phenology Trails and Phenology
Gardens• Neighborhood Association
Partnerships
Site-based Programs
Site-based Programs
Tucson Phenology
Trail
Sam Hughes Neighborhood
CampusArboretum
BioSphere2
PimaExtension
Office
National Phenology
Network
Santa RitaExperimental Range
Site-based Programs
Site-based Programs
A=OcotilloB=Palo VerdeC=Velvet MesquiteD=Velvet MesquiteE=OcotilloF=SaguaroG=OcotilloH=CreosoteI=CreosoteJ=Jojoba
Site-based Programs
Site-based Programs
Site-based ProgramsWildlife Refuges using Nature’s Notebook
Kenai Peninsula NWR, Alaska
The Kenai Peninsula is under pressure from a drying, warming climate. Local residents and seasonal visitors can help scientists study the ways the forest, wetland and animal populations are adapting to these changes by recording data, spreading the word about their observations, and reducing the negative impacts to our special ecosystems on the Kenai.
Leah Eskelin, Park Ranger
Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office• Install gardens, host workshops, conduct
monitoring• Train volunteers
Site-based Programs
Site-based ProgramsCooperative Extension and Nature’s Notebook
Gulf of Maine Coastal Program
"Signs of the Seasons: A Maine Phenology Project”, recruits and trains volunteers to observe and record phenological data. One of the goals of the program is to broaden general knowledge of climate change by providing citizens with the tools to gather climate change data themselves - in other words it's a citizen-science initiative.” –Mao Teng Lin, USFWS Gulf Coast of Maine
Implementing a Phenology Monitoring Network, in partnership with local groups to track Florida species response to climate change.• Workshops, school groups,
curriculum, botanical gardens
Site-based Programs
• Backyard observations• Trail observations• Share your data set• Data analysis• Join the conversation!
“HAVING A REASON AND A MECHANISM
FOR PAYING ATTENTION TO THE NATURAL WORLD
AROUND ME ENRICHES MY LIFE.” —
HANS
Dichotomous Key Activity – 20 mins
Dichotomous means “divided into two parts” and a dichotomouskey offers two choices at each step leading to the identity of the object.
Used to identify things based on observable characteristics.
Using the traditional dichotomous key, one should be able to pick up anyobject included in the key and follow the steps to arrive at its identity.
Shoes
Shoes with laces
Shoes without laces
Not tennis shoes
Tennis shoes
Not sandals
Sandals
Emily’s shoe
White
Orange
Helen’s shoe
John’s shoe
Ryan’s shoe
Marco’s shoe
Dichotomous Key Activity – 20 mins
Shoes
Shoes with laces
Shoes without laces
Not tennis shoes
Tennis shoes
Not sandals
Sandals
Emily’s shoe
White
Orange
Helen’s shoe
John’s shoe
Ryan’s shoe
Marco’s shoe
1. a. shoes with laces…………………………………….go to #2 b. shoes without laces…………………………………go to #42. a. not tennis shoes……………………………………..Emily’s shoe b. tennis shoes…………………………………………go to #33. a. white………………………………………………...Helen’s shoe b. orange……………………………………………….John’s shoe4. a. not sandals…………………………………………..Ryan’s shoe b. sandals………………………………………………Marco’s shoe
Dichotomous Key Activity – 20 mins
Dichotomous Key with local species
20 mins – half hour
Phenology Observation Program
Overview
• Intro to Phenology • USA-NPN and USFWS Partnership• Research and Education• Site-based Programs
Using Nature’s Notebook• USA-NPN and Master Gardeners
Using Nature’s Notebook
Get Started!
Using Nature’s Notebook
www.usanpn.org/participate/guidelines
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
Five Steps:
Using Nature’s Notebook
www.usanpn.org/participate/guidelines
Select and delineate a siteA 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
www.usanpn.org/participate/guidelines
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
www.usanpn.org/participate/guidelines
Select Plant and Animal Species• Choose from list of
recommended (vetted) species• Calibration species
• Ecological importance• Big-picture
• Proper identification• Data quality!• One - three plants for variation• Use comments
Tag your plants!• Ease of location
Using Nature’s Notebook
www.usanpn.org/participate/guidelines
Record ObservationsTo 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
www.usanpn.org/participate/guidelines
Record Observations
To make observations, you will need: • Phenophase
definitions and instructions
Using Nature’s Notebook
Record Observations• YES• NO• UNCERTAIN• No record if you did not check
www.usanpn.org/participate/guidelines
Using Nature’s Notebook
www.usanpn.org/participate/guidelines
Using Nature’s Notebook
www.usanpn.org/participate/guidelines
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
www.usanpn.org/participate/guidelines
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
64
• Plants: repeat observations of the same individual plants• Animals: create a checklist for your site, look and listen for all
species each time you visit
Using Nature’s Notebook
www.usanpn.org/participate/guidelines
Enter Observations Online• Create your account • Register your site • Register your plants • Create your animal
checklist
Using Nature’s Notebook
Create an account• Click on #3
Using Nature’s Notebook
Using Nature’s Notebook
Using Nature’s Notebook
Creating a site at home
Using Nature’s Notebook
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 with
corresponding curriculum• Assistance from the USA-NPN Education Specialist on how to tailor
Nature’s Notebook to your needs
Phenology Observation Program
Overview
• Intro to Phenology • USA-NPN and USFWS Partnership• Research and Education• Site-based Programs• Using Nature’s Notebook
USA-NPN & Master Gardeners
Assignment
Know your Native Plants!
JojobaSaguaro
Creosote bushVelvet mesquiteHoney mesquiteDesert ironwoodBlue paloverde
Yellow paloverde
Questions?
Thank you!
LoriAnne BarnettUSA-NPN
Education [email protected]
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