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Science Blog ZINC PROJECTS

Tracking climate clues in spring flowers

Date: 14-Feb-08
Author: University Corporation for Atmospheric Research

Starting February 15 a nationwide initiative enables volunteers to track climate change by observing the timing of flowers and foliage. Project BudBurst, operated by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) and a team of partners, allows students, gardeners, and other citizen scientists in every state to enter their observations into an online database that will give researchers a detailed picture of our warming climate.

The project will operate year round so that early- and late-blooming species in different parts of the country can be monitored throughout their life cycles. Project BudBurst builds on a pilot program carried out last spring, when several thousand participants recorded the timing of the leafing and flowering of hundreds of plant species in 26 states.

Each participant in Project BudBurst selects one or more plants to observe. The project Web site suggests more than 60 widely distributed trees and flowers, with information on each. Users can add their own choices.

Participants begin checking their plants at least a week prior to the average date of budburst -- the point when the buds have opened and leaves are visible. After budburst, participants continue to observe the tree or flower for later events, such as the first leaf, first flower and, eventually, seed dispersal. When participants submit their records online, they can view maps of these phenological events across the United States.

A longleaf pine at Lynches River County Park in Effingham, South Carolina. Image taken in early May 2005. Courtesy: Andrew Yee
(Click on image for larger version)

Full story: Volunteers Across Nation to Track Climate Clues in Spring Flowers