DRAFT – November 9, 2010
Monitoring phenology in the Northeast Temperate Network
Background
Phenology refers to the timing of seasonal or periodic biological events such as flowering, the
emergence of butterflies, and the appearance of migratory birds. Phenological events of plants
and animals are closely linked to climatic variables and therefore act as a sensitive biological
indicator of climate change. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change and other national
assessments have identified phenology monitoring as a powerful tool to assess the impacts of
climate change on plants and animals. Moreover, phenology data can inform the analysis and
interpretation of data from other monitoring efforts—e.g., water quantity, animal population
sizes, and forest health—and can serve as an effective method for communicating climate change
to the American public.
The Northeast Temperate Network (NETN) of the National Park Service’s Inventory &
Monitoring Program is currently in the second year of a 3-year phenology monitoring pilot
project in collaboration with the Appalachian Mountain Club, Appalachian Trail Conservancy,
Schoodic Education and Research Center, The Wildlife Society, USA National Phenology
Network (USA-NPN), and U.S. Geological Survey. The NETN is also working with several
other organizations that are monitoring phenology or using phenology observations for
educational purposes in the Northeast.
Purpose
The primary goals of NETN’s work on monitoring phenology are (1) to characterize variability
and trends in the phenology of key plant and animal species to help park managers better
understand the effects of climate change on park resources, and (2) to educate park visitors,
school groups, and volunteers about local impacts of climate change, in part by encouraging their
participation in phenology monitoring activities.
Approach
NETN uses volunteers and automatic recording devices to collect phenological data using
methods described in the draft NETN Phenology Monitoring Protocol. This protocol is
consistent with the draft standard protocols developed by the USA-NPN. Using volunteers
provides the dual benefits of engaging the public in natural history observation while providing a
cost-efficient means for collecting data. Data from automated sensors—e.g., cameras and
acoustic recording devices—complement volunteer observations by providing several
observations each day (important for events, like frog calling, that might happen at particular
times of day), data for quality assurance and control, and observations at sites where it may be
difficult or impossible for volunteers to make routine observations.
Desired outcomes of the pilot project
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Field test and finalize methods for monitoring plant and animal phenology as outlined
in the draft NETN Phenology Monitoring Protocol.
Detect variability and changes in the timing and intensity of selected phenophases for
plants and animals.
DRAFT – November 9, 2010
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Explore the relationship between phenology and climate to inform our ability to
forecast future changes in phenology and to identify potential consequences of those
changes, such as temporal mismatches between interacting species, increases in the
invasiveness of certain non-native species, and changes in stream flow.
Add value to the monitoring of other Vital Signs, such as climate, forest health, and
water quantity.
Coordinate and collaborate with other phenology monitoring efforts within the
Northeast and throughout the United States.
Contacts
Brian Mitchell, NETN Program Manager – brian_mitchell@nps.gov
Fred Dieffenbach, Environmental Monitoring Coordinator, Appalachian National Scenic Trail –
fred_dieffenbach@nps.gov
Abe Miller-Rushing, Science Coordinator, Acadia National Park and Schoodic Education and
Research Center – abe_miller-rushing@nps.gov
Geri Tierney, Research Associate, State University of New York – College of Environmental
Science and Forestry, gtierney@esf.edu