Welcome to the world of Phenology . . . Following seasonal changes in plants and animals from year to year.

Phenology is as old as the human race!

Imagine you are Native American living long ago . You grow up hearing your parents and grandparents say things like "plant corn when oak leaves are the size of a squirrel's ear." Why would someone say such a silly sounding thing? It all has to do with survival. A family that knew just which day to plant corn in spring in order to get enough food in fall to last the winter might survive instead of starve.

The old saying is based on generations of kids, parents, and grandparents noticing that the size of oak leaves and the planting of corn go well together. It make sense today too. Now we know that oak leaves start to grow when the soil warms in spring. When the leaves are "the size of squirrel ears", the soil is also warm enough to keep corn seeds from rotting in the ground, and the remaining growing season is long enough to ensure a plentiful fall harvest. The family survives. Phenology at work!

So what exactly is phenology?

One easy way to define phenology is "Tracking nature through the seasons." Phenologists record and watch for trends in natural events like the first returning robin and the peak colors of fall. They might keep track of when leaves turn color in their back yard each fall for many years. The information phenologists write down can be helpful as scientists try to learn about global climate change.

Phenology is NOT about watching for everyday happenings (when we eat, go to school, practice an instrument.) Phenology IS about watching for changes in animals and plants because of changes in the season and climate (things like birds migrating south, people wearing jackets, shoveling snow.)

Did you know?