Backyard Phenology

Our backyards are ever-changing environments that go through yearly and predictable cycles. Let's see if we can fine tune our observational skills to recognize all of these changes!

Let's Get a Big Picture

Before we "spring ahead," and dive into the wild world of phenology, we need to take a look at the bigger picture, specifically, what causes Earth's seasons to occur? Below you will find two videos. Take a moment to read the pre-watch questions and then dive in!

What is the reason for the season?

In this video, Rebecca is going to dive into much of the background and in depth details of how the seasons occur. During the video pay close attention to:

What did Kepler prove?
What is one of the main reasons for the seasons?
Why are the seasons reversed in different hemispheres?

The importance of the Sun.

In the next video Sabrina does an excellent job of summarizing whats going on, breaking it down a bit simpler for an excellent review. During the video pay close attention to:

Where does Sabrina live?
What is causing the season you are currently experiencing?
What is the differences in seasons of direct and indirect sunlight?

How did the tree feel in the spring?

Releaved.

Wow! That was a lot to take in, but I know we can make sense of it all. Based on the photos to the left, and using what we learned in the videos above, take a moment to see if you can you hypothesize:

What season it is in the picture?
The orientation of the Earth to the Sun for the image? (think about tilt and distance)
What kind of sunlight is this area experiencing? (remember the terms direct or indirect)

For each of these questions, what "data" did you use form the pictures? Being able to explain our observations is an important skill for scientists to master, especially when dealing with phenology - it's all about the observations!

Have someone else look at the images and see if you were using the same data to make your hypotheses.

Zooming in on Phenology

Phenology = The study of periodic plant and animal life cycle events and how these are influenced by seasonal and interannual variations in climate, as well as habitat factors. Say what? We have a couple quick videos that will help this make tons of sense.

Phenology & Nature

In this video, Regina introduces the concept of phenology in a very relatable explanation! As you watch see if you can answer the following questions:

What is the Latin meaning of Pheno?
How did early humans used Phenology?
How is climate change a cause of concern?

Phenophases (it's a real word)

Let's now look at phenophases. The Minnesota Phenology Network provides a great explanation as to what phenophases are, and how the Minnesota Phenology Network is studying phenology. As you watch see if you can answer the following questions:

What are phenophases often triggered by?
How can changes in climate potentially affect humans?
What are some of the species that the Minnesota Phenology Network are tracking and recording?

Quick Review...To Make it Stick

A Season...

is the division in a year marked by changes in weather, ecology, and the amount of daylight.
is determined by when and where the Earth is in relation to the Sun during orbit.
of an area is specific to its location on Earth. (This is due to what kind of sunlight exposure that area is receiving caused by the tilt of, and distance from the Earth to the Sun)

Phenology...

means the study of appearance.
is a branch of science dealing with the relations between climate and periodic biological phenomena.
involves organisms migration, hibernation, emergence, flowering, breeding, leafing, fruiting, and growing season.
has been relied on by humans since the time of hunters and gatherers.

Phenophases...

are an observable stage or phase in the annual life cycle of a plant or animal that can be defined by a start and end point.
generally have a duration of a few days or weeks.
are often triggered by seasonal changes in day length/sunlight, temperature, and rainfall.
are impacted by changes in climate.
can be observed throughout the year to document long-term changes.

Outdoor Adventure Activity

Now that we are familiar with Phenology, we are going to use our very own skills of observation to make an observation journal. The key to making excellent observations requires engaging all of our senses (minus taste, don't eat your subjects). For this activity, you will be venturing outside into your backyard, a local park, or even observing your local street, to make your observations. It is important that we are sure to follow these safety guidelines:

Safety First

Make sure to observe with a buddy or have adult supervision.
Be weary of certain plants that you touch (you don't want to touch a plant such as poison ivy, plants with thorns, or a cactus).
Do not use your sense of taste.

Make sure to print off both the data collection sheet and the journal entry sheet. The data collection sheet will help you organize and narrow your focus down to the details you will be looking for. The journal entry sheet is for your thoughts, and overall summary of your observation for a specific subject.

Step 1: Data Collection Sheet

You will be collecting data for one plant and one bird subject. We will be focusing on these specific types of organisms because their phenophases and transitions are much easier to observe than for others. When you observe a plant, I recommend observing for two minutes so that you can get adequate details. When observing birds, I recommend watching for five to 10 minutes if possible to be able to witness different behaviors the birds might be displaying. Include as many details such as the environment, day, behaviors, etc. as possible to help in your observations.

Nuhop Online Learning Backyard Phenology Observation Journal Data Sheet.pdf

Step 2: Journal Entry

Now that we have taken some general data and noted key elements during our observations, it is time to mash the information together and construct our own thoughts as to what we witnessed. Choose one of the subjects, either the plant or bird subject to journal about. As you write be sure to add in specific details such as the environment where you observed the subject, the weather, behaviors, appearance, surrounding elements, temperature, etc. to help illustrate and formulate your entry. At the end, hypothesize about the changes occurring.

Nuhop Online Learning Backyard Phenology Journal Entry.pdf

Optional Step 3: Contribute to a Citizen Science Project!

Here are several links and ways that you can have your observations contribute to citizen science projects and research around the globe! Be sure to check these out so that way you can be apart of creating a better understanding of how life is transitioning in our world.

Nature's Notebook - https://www.usanpn.org/natures_notebook
Journey North - https://journeynorth.org/
USA National Phenology Network - https://www.usanpn.org/home
iNaturalist - https://www.inaturalist.org/
Merlin Bird ID - https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/the-story/

What do you call a snowman in the summer?

Puddle.

Quick Quiz

Here we go; time to show what you know! Feel free to look back at the lesson to refresh your memory. You will be fantastic!

Citizen Science Links

As we talked about above, here are a number of citizen science organizations that could use your help!

Nature's Notebook - https://www.usanpn.org/natures_notebook
Journey North - https://journeynorth.org/
USA National Phenology Network - https://www.usanpn.org/home
iNaturalist - https://www.inaturalist.org/
Merlin Bird ID - https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/the-story/

To connect with organizations in your slice of the world, the U.S. Phenology Network has a list of global organizations that could use your data and observations to help enhance the field!

https://www.usanpn.org/partner/gapon?page=1

About the Author: Branch

All things in nature are connected to each other and Branch likes to think that the impact he makes is like the branch of a river or tree where he is an important part of how things flow and grow at Camp Nuhop. He fell in love with nature as a kid while playing in his backyard creek and his enthusiasm to share his interest grew during his college education. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Education focusing on Social Studies and Science studies at Ashland University. He served several summers in various camp roles before finding a home at Camp Nuhop. Branch is a "seeker" and tends to find the smallest details about subjects. He is no stranger to animals, even picking up a random snake that may cross his path. Branch is tall like a tree so he fits in perfectly when he is up in the high ropes course or touring the trails but his love of the water allows his time directing canoeing and other activities to be very fulfilling. Branch is anxious for Nuhop friends to come and embrace all that he loves about outdoor life!

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