Phenology Today
Today, this well established science is seeing a resurgence of interest as researchers seek observations of changes in plant phenology to help them better understand changes in our environment. For the past few decades, Dr. Mark Schwartz of the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee has worked hard to maintain The Lilac Network – an excellent example of a plant phenology effort dependent on the observations of large numbers of volunteer observers that date from the 1950's to the present. The Lilac Network has made significant contributions to the science of phenology.
The success of The Lilac Network in engaging citizen scientists formed the basis of today’s USA National Phenology Network, established in 2004 to monitor the influence of climate on the phenology of plants, animals, and landscapes. This national network has great potential in being able to promote scientific interest in plant phenology in the US, as well as providing data and models that may eventually help scientists monitor and predict drought, wildfire risk, biological invasions, and the spread of diseases more accurately region to region than is possible now. Project BudBurst is a key partner in the USA-NPN.
In Europe, the European Phenology Network has active monitoring, research and educational programs. Nature's Calendar in both the Netherlands and the United Kingdom have active websites and events. Canada has PlantWatch, and many other countries, including China and Australia, have phenological programs.
In this section, we are going to feature the People Behind Phenology so you can learn more about the scientists who have dedicated their careers to plant phenology. Some of the people you will be reading about are the very ones who may be using the data you contribute through Project Budburst! Our first featured phenologist is Dr. David InouyePeople behind Phenology
The dedication of many men and women have shaped the rich study of phenology. Here you can learn more about the scientists and educators who have devoted their careers to plant phenology and how they got started. Some of the people you will read about are the very ones who may be using the data you contribute through Project Budburst!
Dr. David Inouye has been making observations of mountain wildflowers at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory for almost 40 years. Read more about David's story.
Dr. Mark Schwartz deserves recognition as a leader in the current interest in plant phenology in the United States. Read more about Mark's story.
Photo: People making observations for Project BudBurst; Courtesy of Chicago Botanic Garden