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Man has been making phenological observations from the time that his field notes were first etched on the walls of his domiciles. To a large extent, early man's survival was based upon his ability to learn from and act upon the clues taken from seasonal changes around him. His ability to make the right choices based upon his phenological observations might have been the difference between his harvesting from fertile soils or becoming part of them!
Today many people are interested in phenology simply for an entertaining and educational way to enjoy their nature observations. But there are more serious reasons to track phenological events.
For example, farmers and fruit growers can use phenological data as a tool in knowing when to plant and harvest crops and in some cases when to apply herbicides or insecticides. Bee keepers observe the phenophases of plants and the biological cycle of the honeybee colony to help in decision making about the technical operations at the apiary.
With increased interest in global warming and holes in the ozone layer, scientists can compare past phenological records of plant and animals responses to seasonal changes to current responses. This can give indications of rapid climatic changes due to dangerous environmental factors such as these.
Persons of all ages and interests are currently involved in phenological record keeping. Grade school children are involved in phenological projects - collecting data and sharing it with other children across the country. Professional researchers and phenologists have organized an international network for phenological data sharing on a world-wide basis. All have found a level of involvement that meets their needs. Check here for a list of links to these and other phenology-related sites.
Below is a list of groups who track phenological observations on either a casual or diligent basis and some of the events that they track from year to year:
- Gardeners, Farmers, Bee Keepers & Horticulturists
- first growth date
- first flower date
- last frost of Spring or first frost of Fall
- planting dates and harvesting dates
- appearance of insect or weed pest species
- application date of insecticide or herbicide
- Wildlife Managers and Nature Centers Naturalists
- migration dates
- growth stage dates of various plant and animal species
- dates of critical lake / ground soil temperatures
- breeding activities and nesting/denning dates
- Nature Photographers & Nature Travelers
- peak wildflower bloom dates
- peak fall foliage dates
- bird/mammal breeding activities dates
- nesting/denning activities dates
- butterfly/insects emergence dates
- peak fall migration staging area dates
- Outdoorsmen and Nature Enthusiasts for Trip Planning
- Morel mushrooms fruiting date
- ice off (or on) favorite fishing/camping lake
- walleye, bass, panfish, etc. spawning dates
- blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, etc ripe dates
As you can see, there are many ways phenology tracking can be applied. If you have any specific ways in which you use your phenological data or Life Cycles phenological software and would like to have it added to this list, fill out this form and we'll add it.
