Phenology in the Parks

National Parks across the United States are studying the seasonal cycles of plants and animals. There are many approaches to implement a monitoring program or use phenology data and information, from parks who focus on how phenology varies over a rainfall gradient, to parks who aim to better communicate the impacts of climate change.  For example: 

• Acadia National Park showcases climate impacts and encourages phenology monitoring at the Sieur de Monts visitor center.
• Grand Canyon National Park engages visitors in monitoring oaks on the North and South Rim.
• Phenology monitoring is popular with high school students at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
• USGS researchers collaborate with Glacier National Park to study the timing of bear activity and huckleberry availability.

Three regional pilot projects provide models for coordinated regional monitoring and support the assessment of patterns across parks and surrounding landscapes:

• California Phenology Project
• Appalachian Trail Seasons
• Walking With Wildflowers (Pacific Crest Trail)