Community Science: Summer Phenology Walks at the UCSC Arboretum & Botanic Garden

Join us to study the science of the seasons and be a part of a national effort to monitor the effects of climate change.

Phenology is nature’s calendar - the timing of life cycle events, for example: when plants first bloom, birds migrate, and insects hatch. Monitoring phenology is important: changing phenology is a key indicator of climate change. It is a hot topic in climate change research. You may have even observed phenology change without realizing it, like if you noticed plants in your garden blooming earlier during warm years.

YOU can collect phenology data and contribute to climate change research: The Garden Phenology Walk gathers data on seasonal changes in plants including when they leaf out, flower and form fruit. Help us monitor 18 permanently marked California native plants while touring the beautiful Native Plant Garden. Your data will be uploaded to the USA National Phenology Network’s database for use in research, policy and land management.

Space is limited, advanced registration is recommended, free with $5.00 admission to the Arboretum; UCSC students free. Meets at Norrie's Gift Shop at 11am.