Learning with Trees
Phenology: What’s That?
Phe-nol-o-gy is the study of changes in plants and animals as they respond to weather, climate, and the seasons. You are studying phenology when you record the date a certain plant flowers, a tree's leaves emerge, an insect hatches, or a migratory bird appears on its nesting grounds. The dates on which these happen each year are affected by factors such as day length, temperature, and rainfall.
Phenologists record and watch for trends in natural events -- like the first returning robin or the peak time of fall colors. The information phenologists write down can be helpful as scientists try to learn about global climate change.
People have been keeping track of natural events since before any of us remember. These type of observations helped people survive. People watched for fish spawning to learn the best time to catch fish. They figured out that when oak leaves were as big as squirrels’ ears the soil was warm enough to plant corn and other food crops. In my own observations, I have noticed that when the lilacs are in full bloom, morel mushrooms are really popping!
Phenology isn’t just for historians and farmers. It is fun and interesting to observe and keep track of seasonal events. All it takes is a calendar or a notebook and some careful observation of what is going on around you. As we move into spring here in Minnesota there is a lot going on. The activities in this newsletter should give you ideas on what to look, listen and feel for as our seasons slowly change.
Here are some firsts you can watch for and record in Minnesota this spring:
Tree Trust
2350 Wycliff Street Suite 200
Saint Paul, MN 55114
Phone: 651-644-5800
Fax: 651-644-1469
