Becoming a volunteer
Becoming a volunteer
Embedded Files
To keep our program growing, we are always looking for dedicated volunteers who want to help us collect information about the plants along our nature trails. We ask our volunteers:
1. Commit to visiting one of the nature trails and entering observations into Nature’s Notebook at least once every month. The visit needs to be coordinated with other volunteers using our scheduling system.
2. Participate in the program for one to three years. It is only through multiple years of observations that we really become experts. Stick around and you can be an expert phenologist too!
3. Enjoy learning about phenology and being involved with an exciting group of nature lovers. We highly encourage everyone to share their observations and engage in conversations about phenology on our Facebook page.
4. Ask questions and participate in additional training when necessary. We hope to have follow up sessions when the seasons change so you can learn the new phenophases.
5. Spread the word! Let us know if you know more people who are interested.
To become a Timekeeper, you need to:
Attend a phenology workshop.
We will schedule this after the workshop.
At this point, you should decide how you want to collect phenology information. You can either print out phenology sheets from Nature’s Notebook or download the app onto your phone or tablet. Paper observations sheets will need to be entered into Nature’s Notebook through the website.
Attend a trailside training.
We will schedule this after the workshop.
At this point, you should decide how you want to collect phenology information. You can either print out phenology sheets from Nature’s Notebook or download the app onto your phone or tablet. Paper observations sheets will need to be entered into Nature’s Notebook through the website.
Record your observations!
Sign up for a date to visit your site using Google calendar. We are requesting that everyone visit their trail at least once a month. If you want to sign up more often, that’s fine too! Spring happens quickly, so it is nice to go every week.
Observe phenology along your trail. Check out resources of making observations through the NPN.
Share your experiences
Facebook: We will be using a private Facebook group to share our observations with each other and to post announcements. This is a private Facebook group which means that no one outside of the group can see what you post
Facebook allows you to use either the website or the phone app. Both can be accessed by logging into your account. If you do not already have a Facebook account, you can make one by choosing “Create a new account” or “Sign up for Facebook”.
Phone App: After you log in, select the tab at the bottom right of the screen. This will pull up different functions of Facebook. Select the one called “Groups”. Select the search icon in the top right. Search for “Nature’s Timekeepers- Private” and join. We will complete your request as soon as possible.
Website: After you log in, select “Groups” from the menu on the left side. Search “Nature’s Timekeepers- Private” in the search bar in the top left and join. We will complete your request as soon as possible.
Join our group on Nature’s Notebook.
Create a log in to https://www.usanpn.org/natures_notebook
You will be asked if you want to join a “Partner Group”
Scroll down the page until you get to “Minnesota Phenology Trail” and click the plus sign.
Click the plus sign next to Lake Superior Phenology Network.
Check the trail that you are going to be monitoring.
Once you have finished the form, scroll to the bottom of the page and click “Create New Account”.
If you already have an account, you can log in at www.usanpn.org/user
Click the “Edit” tab under your username.
Scroll down the page until you get to “Partner Groups” and click the plus next to “Minnesota Phenology Trail”.
Check the trail that you are going to be monitoring.
Scroll to the bottom of the page and click “Save”.
Report abuse