Weaver Lake Nature Center Phenology

What is Phenology?

Phenology is the study of the cycles in nature in response to the seasonal

changes. 

Who can make phenology observations?

Anyone can observe changes in nature. There is a wide rage of people involved in

phenology. Some people make observations and report them for scientific

reasons, while otehrs, like myself, observe the changes as a recreational activity

to learn more about their surroundings.

How do I get started?

All you need is a notebook, a pencil, and time to observe the amazing changes in

nature. You can pick any area with some plant and animal activity, such as your

backyard. The best time to make these observations are in the spring and fall

when the most changes are taking place in nature. If you observe changes over

the course of several years, you can compare your observations from year to year.

What do I record?

Observe and record anything of interest to you.

Flora:

  • bud opening
  • first leaf
  • first flower
  • 50% bloom
  • 90% bloom
  • percent of area green

Fauna:

  • frog and toad singing
  • bird migration, courting rituals, and nesting
  • insect appearance
  • first mosquito bite
  • mammal appearance
  • sounds

Weather:

  • temperature
  • clouds
  • sun
  • winds
  • percipitation
  • percent of area covered by snow
  • last snow or frost (Spring)
  • first snow or frost (fall)
  • ice on pond opens (spring)
  • ice forms on pond (fall)

Think about...

  • What has changed since last time?
  • What may ahve caused these changes?