With the arrival of spring, we will be seeing a lot of changes at the Nature Center and in our backyards. Did you know there’s a name for this? Phenology. Phenology is the study of seasonal change. It is a great way to notice the patterns in nature and to observe the small details you might otherwise overlook.
You can take a little bit of time each week to observe the changes happening in your yard, on your favorite trail, or at your local park. You can use the sample journal entry below to help you get started with a phenology observation today:
Sample Phenology Observation Journal
Date: 04/01/21
Time: 3:24 p.m.
Location: Rye Nature Center, Rye, NY 10580
Temperature: 56 degrees
Weather: cloudy, light wind, on and off rain showers
What do you see?
Red maple trees are budding
Daffodils close to blooming, saw two flowers that have bloomed before the others
Observed two robins gathering nest materials and fighting
Male and female wood ducks on the pond
What do you hear?
Robins, blue jays, spring peepers, and a duck
Other Comments/Notes:
If you would like to get more involved and contribute your data to a nationwide citizen science project visit Nature's Notebook | USA National Phenology Network (usanpn.org) to learn more!