LoriAnne Barnett, Education Coordinator, USA-NPN

1. LoriAnne Barnett,Education Coordinator, USA-NPN Extension volunteersengage in phenology monitoring and climate education

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

3. 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.

4. 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.)

5. Introduction to Phenology • Phenology and Climate Change • Research, spring timing and range • 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) Species and Ecosystems influenced by global environmental change Photo by Scot Miller

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

7. USA National Phenology Network 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. A national network of integrated phenological observations across space and time.

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

9. USA National Phenology Network 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

10. 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

11. USA National Phenology Network 630 plant species and 230 animal species 1196 observers reporting (4107 total) making 97,237 observations

12. 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.

13. USA National Phenology Network • To make observations, you will need: • Phenophasedefinitions and instructions www.usanpn.org/participate/guidelines

14. USA National Phenology Network Phenology Monitoring Methods • Event Monitoring • Captures • First instance of phenologicalevent • 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

15. Abundance and Intensity Captures Sampling frequency Error around date estimate Absence Unusual events Multiple occurrences of a phenophase in one year Phenophase duration USA National Phenology Network Phenology Monitoring Methods

16. Status Status & Abundance USA National Phenology Network Phenology Monitoring Methods Activity Reproduction Development Event Day of year

17. USA National Phenology Network • Personal Interactions • 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

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

19. Using Nature’s Notebook http://www.usanpn.org/participate/observe Get Started!

20. Using Nature’s Notebook Nature’s Notebook Online Interface

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

22. Using Nature’s Notebook • Resources available to you: • Online training materials for Nature’s Notebook at home • Webportal for Extension Programs: • http://www.usanpn.org/cooperative-extension • 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

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

24. Extension Models in Action Cooperative Extension and Nature’s Notebook

25. Extension Models in Action 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 University of Arizona Cooperative Extension

26. 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

27. Extension Models in Action 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 1968. Switch to Red Rothomagensis lilac (S. chinensis). Eastern Network established in 1970, still supported by USA-NPN Collaboration between Specialists, Range/Ag Center, and Agents Historic Lilac at Santa Rita Experimental Range Long Term Data Set

28. 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 lorianne@usanpn.org Will Sheftall sheftallw@leoncountyfl.gov Esperanza Stancioff esp@maine.edu Peter Warren plwarren@cals.arizona.edu Thank you!