Volunteer opportunity for monitoring phenology in the forest understory

A large-scale research project on range limits of woody tree species is seeking volunteers for a phenology component of the research.  Three populations of a northern hardwood tree species have been planted at numerous sites in the Midwest, and volunteers are needed at each site to monitor bud-burst and spring leaf-out as well as fall senescence.

By examining population-specific differences in phenology, this research will help identify population differences in response to climate, contribute to a better understanding of factors that determine current range limits, and lend insight on how tree species may respond to novel climate conditions.

Volunteers are needed to visit each research site at least once a week during the spring leaf-out and fall senescence, document phenological changes with photographs, and collect data. Volunteers will receive a packet of supplies and will be trained in how to gather the data.  For more about this opportunity or other ways to be involved in this research, email University of Minnesota graduate student Rachel Putnam (rputnam@umn.edu).

Volunteers for the spring and fall are needed at the following research locations:

• - Minnesota: Cass Lake (near Bemidji)
• - Iowa: New Albin (NE corner of IA) and Muscatine
• - Missouri: Ashland (near Columbia)
• - Arkansas: Jasper (in Ozarks, near Harrison)

Updated March 2, 2010