Interpretive phenology display

[Sarah Treanor Bois]

Hello,

Where I work we collect phenology data for research purposes as well as involving interns and volunteers in the data collection. We do a lot with classes and independent projects for students.However, I am working on ways to add more interpretive signage or other ideas to involve the visitors to our land trust that we don't directly interact with. We have some basic info out for now about phenology, but I would love to see ideas from others about how you incorporate your own data into your visuals on-site.

Below are two ideas I have that I haven't executed. Full disclosure; I am a scientist and science communicator, but artistic ventures are not my strong suit.

#1: an interactive phenology calendar. A physical representation of a few of our study plants as well as birds and an insect from our property that we have data for. With a visual of the normal distribution of one phenophase, we can then have a physical slider for what this year's observation is. e.g When osprey return to their nest on our property. We have a normal distribution o f when they normally arrive and then we have wehn they arrived this year. Similar for bloom time for low bush blueberries. *Not sure I'm describing this well. It lives in my head!

#2: a demonstration garden in front of our office. Planting natives or popular garden plants in the beds in front of the office with links to collecting phenology info on them. We have avoided this with the research plants to keep the data more accurate. Having other plants in one area with signage could be a good focal spot.

I'm looking forward to hearing more ideas. Happy to convene a zoom if there is interest. I'd love to see photos as well!

Thanks all!

Sarah Bois

Director of Research and Education

Linda Loring Nature Foundation

Website: www.llnf.org

[Erin Posthumus]

This is a great question! I'm sure some of you Local Phenology Leaders out there have creative ideas for ways to display your phenology data! Please share :)