Watch Nature Using Phenology

How Cool is That?! – Environmental Education for pre-K – age 99

We know it is spring…but how do we know? One of the ways is by watching nature. There is a scientific name for that – phenology. Phenologists study the timing and patterns of when plants grow leaves and flowers and when animals hibernate, reproduce and migrate. This is important because climate change is changing the timing of when things happen. For example, some plants are blooming before the insects hatch to pollinate them. No pollination = no seeds.  

You can make a difference! Want to help scientists understand how nature is changing? You can! By observing and collecting information about what is happening near you and sending the information to scientists. That is called citizen science. Through Budburst.org you can learn more about phenology and collect and submit your observations. There is something there for all ages!

• Pre-K-2 grade: Can Plants Tell Stories book and observation journal?
• Teens/adults: About Phenology.
• Teens/adults: Get started with citizen science!
• Teachers: Visit the "Get Started" tab for how to use introduce phenology to students.