Keeping the Heartbeat of Your Phenology Program

[rb4freedom]

Hi All :) 

When you have periods of low observation counts, how do ensure your program stays the course with your intended research? 

[Chris Tolman]

Just curious, are you referring to times when there is not much to observe? such as winter months when much is dormant? or are you referring to times when observations just aren't being completed for other reasons? 

I am also wondering how to keep volunteers engaged during slow observation months  - especially when it is below zero for extended periods of time. Are there other activities or other species to monitor in slow months to keep people engaged? 

[Caryn Beiter]

Like Chris, I am uncertain about what the specific question is, but thought I'd add to the general engagement inquiry. I live in Maine so other than skunk cabbage, observations aren't being done between late November and April (when "No's" become important again) so last year I started a phenology-themed book club. We read 1-2 chapters each month and met via zoom to discuss Walden Warming by Richard Primack. It's a great book to read in general, but highly recommended for anyone in the northeast. This worked so well that I will be facilitating another one this winter.....book TBD. I have a short list going if anyone is interested. 

Best, 

Caryn

Caryn Beiter
Pronouns: she, her, hers (Learn more)
Coordinator, School and Docent Programs
Wells National Estuarine Research Reserve
(207) 646-1555 ext. 110
www.wellsreserve.org

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From: natures-notebook-co...@googlegroups.com <natures-notebook-co...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Chris Tolman <chris....@mnhs.org>
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Subject: [LPL Community] Re: Keeping the Heartbeat of Your Phenology Program

 

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[Fayer, Liz]

That is a great idea!  Have you read braiding sweetgrass by Kimmerer?  That might add a different point of view!

Liz

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[Jennifer Clifford]

Hi all,

During the winter, we at Earthwise Aware organize periodic walks at or near our survey sites and work together to identify trees by bark, and by twig and bud configuration. It is a fun way to get out there together and continue practicing our observational skills. We can record our "No's" at the same time when we are at an actual survey site. Looking at the dormant stages scratches the phenology itch and I find that I am more attuned to leaf bud swelling in the spring, which I see as an important phenophase, as well as a really wonderful phenomenon. Additionally, we look and listen for birds while in the forest and are planning a winter fungi walk with a collaborator (not pheno, but fun!).

References we use are 'Woody Plants in Winter' by Earl P. Core and Nelle P. Ammons (West Virginia University Press) and 'Bark: A Field Guide to Trees of the Northeast' by Michael Wojtech (Brandeis University Press)

Happy off-season!

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  Jennifer

[Fayer, Liz]

I agree. I love my winter watching!  We get some early flowers like our Pasque, which is fun to watch for and then everything seems to explode all at once!  Does Earthwise have a website we can visit? The book looks great too! I’ve also been researching Indigenous uses for barks and many other plants, which may add additional interest! Liz

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From: natures-notebook-co...@googlegroups.com <natures-notebook-co...@googlegroups.com> on behalf of Jennifer Clifford <jccli...@gmail.com>
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Subject: [EXT] Re: [LPL Community] Re: Keeping the Heartbeat of Your Phenology Program

 

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[Jennifer Clifford]

Sure, the website is below. Perhaps you are familiar with Claire O'Neill, EwA's founder. Have fun with your project!

https://www.earthwiseaware.org/

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  Jennifer

[Fayer, Liz]

Thank you for sharing!

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From: Jennifer Clifford <jccli...@gmail.com>
Sent: Thursday, November 18, 2021 11:26:05 AM
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Subject: Re: [EXT] Re: [LPL Community] Re: Keeping the Heartbeat of Your Phenology Program