Peter Warren, Pima County Extension Director, ANR Agent LoriAnne Barnett, Education Coordinator, USA-NPN Train Extension Volunteers to Track Climate Change.

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Train Extension Volunteers to Track Climate Change by Monitoring Phenology

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 phenologyPhenology data helps us

understand how plants, animals and landscapes respond to

environmental variation and climate 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 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

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

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

Event

Activity Reproduction Development

Day of year

Phenology Monitoring Methods and Protocols

Status & Abundance

Status

USA National Phenology Network

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

www.usanpn.org/participate/guidelines

To make observations, you will need: • Phenophase

definitions and instructions

Phenology Observation Program

Overview

• Introduction to Phenology • USA-National Phenology Network

Using Nature’s Notebook• Extension Models in Action

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 for training:• 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

Phenology Observation Program

Overview

• Introduction to Phenology • USA-National Phenology Network• Using Nature’s Notebook

Extension Models in Action

Extension Models in Action

University of Arizona Cooperative Extension

YEAR ONE Program Goals:1. Training MG Volunteers as citizen

scientists, through MG course curriculum. Nature’s Notebook teaches observation, plant ID, problem solving

2. USA-NPN seeks to increase accuracy of reporting base to develop robust, useable dataset, engaging people in research and education

3. Program should provide opportunities for youth and adults to go outdoors, participate in nature and enhance STEM (science, engineering, technology, and Math skills

Extension Models in Action

University of Arizona Cooperative Extension

Year One Outcomes1. Reporting base increased by 45. 20% of

new users will continue to report. 10% of participants familiar with the science of phenology prior to course. Post-course, 100% understood phenology and research purpose. Docents selected.

2. Course successfully taught observation, journaling, plant ID, and problem solving.

Supporting existing Extension Program buy-ins with methods for climate education

Facilitating local Phenology Trail Networks

Extension Models in Action

Tucson Phenology Trail Currently 6 locations

• Total of 75 Miles, start to finish

• 3-10 plants tagged at each site

• Docent training program supporting collaboration between all participating programs

http://www.usanpn.org/phenologytrails

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 1968. Switch to Red Rothomagensis lilac (S. chinensis).

Eastern Network established in 1970, still supported by USA-NPN

Long Term Data Set

Thank you!

LoriAnne Barnettlorianne@usanpn.org

Will Sheftallsheftallw@leoncountyfl.gov

Esperanza Stancioffesp@maine.edu

Peter Warrenplwarren@cals.arizona.edu

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