PubTalk 11/2008 — Taking the Biological Pulse of Our Planet

The USA National Phenology Network

by Jake Weltzin, NPN Executive Director

• Phenology, an emerging integrated science, is combining government, university, and public knowledge to study seasonal cycles in the biosphere
• Recent findings in phenology are providing new insights into the timing of biological events and cycles in relation to changing seasons and global climate conditions
• Citizen scientists are contributing valuable information to Project BudBurst nationwide with backyard and field observations of nature
• Scientists are using phenology to study the effects of global climate change on the delicate interaction between plants and animals, and for predicting the future health of our environment