USA National Phenology Network

What We Do

The USA National Phenology Network (USA-NPN) monitors the influence of climate on the phenology of plants, animals, and landscapes. We do this by encouraging people to observe phenological events like leaf out, flowering, migrations, and egg laying, and by providing a place for people to enter, store, and share their observations. We also work with researchers to develop tools and techniques to use these observations to support a wide range of decisions made routinely by citizens, managers, scientists, and others, including decisions related to allergies, wildfires, water, and conservation.

Vision
The USA National Phenology Network (USA-NPN) encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to observe and record phenology as a way to discover and explore the nature and pace of our dynamic world. The Network makes phenology data, models, and related information freely available to empower scientists, resource managers, and the public in decision-making and adapting to variable and changing climates and environments.

Mission
The USA National Phenology Network (USA-NPN) serves science and society by promoting broad understanding of plant and animal phenology and its relationship with environmental change.  The Network is a consortium of individuals and organizations that collect, share, and use phenology data, models, and related information.

See our Fact Sheet for more information.

Who We Are

The USA-NPN is comprised of many partners including federal, state and local agencies, universities, colleges and schools, non-governmental organizations, citizen volunteers, and many others. Our participants range from backyard observers to professional scientists monitoring long-term plots. Our network is described in further detail on the Network Structure page. We invite you to join us.

How We're Organized

The efforts of the USA-NPN are organized and directed by the staff at the USA-NPN National Coordinating Office at the University of Arizona, with support from the U.S. Geological Survey, the National Science Foundation, and many other funding agencies, organizations, and partners. The USA-NPN is governed by an executive committee consisting of a 12-member Board of Directors, the NCO Executive Director, and Assistant Director, as specified in our Constitution. Several Working Groups have also been established within the USA-NPN to address specific issues within the field of phenology. Details on the development of the USA-NPN can be found on the History page.

Check out the video below for an introduction to phenology and the USA-NPN!