Colorado State to Host Hands-On Science Workshop on Seasonal Changes in Living Organisms March 27

Learn how to join the Northern Colorado Phenology Observation Network with a hands-on workshop hosted by Colorado State University’s Natural Resource Ecology Lab on March 27 at the CSU campus.

For new participants, the workshop is from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. For existing members of the network, the workshop is from 1 -4 p.m. The workshop will take place in Room A302 in the Natural and Environmental Science Building.

The study of phenology examines how events during plant and animal life cycles are influenced by seasonal variations in the climate. Researchers in the field are concerned with first occurrences in biological life cycles. Examples of phenology research include the emergence of leaves and flowers, the first flight of a butterfly and migratory bird appearances. Elements like these are sensitive to small variations in temperature and can be useful in the study of climate change and global warming.

The workshop will show participants how to conduct phenological observations and measurements on local plant species. The program coordinators hope to emphasize the importance seasonal changes on a local scale can impact the global climate perspective.

The Northern Colorado Phenology Network is a partnership between Northern Colorado teachers, students and the Natural Resource Ecology Lab at CSU that monitors the seasonal changes of plants. The data collected from the project is analyzed as part of the National Phenology Network and Project BudBurst, monitoring long-term climate and global change.

For more information or to register for the workshop, contact Kim Melville-Smith at kimberly.melville-smith@colostate.edu.

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