Monitoring Phenology in National Parks in the Northeast: Results from 2009

Miller-Rushing, Abraham; Tierney, Geri; Dieffenbach, Fred; Mitchell, Brian

Appendix 1 includes Example methods, data, and supporting informaiton sheets for monitoring phenology on Mt. Desert Island, ANP 2009 'Introduction Phenology-the study of seasonal biological events such as leaf out, migration, and reproduction-provides perhaps the easiest method for tracking ecological responses to climate change (IPCC 2007). The functioning of nearly all ecological processes depends on the timing of phenological events. In addition, the timing of many phenological events is changing rapidly in response to changing climate conditions. Pollination, pest outbreaks, predator-prey relationships, species ranges, and water and carbon cycles all depend on phenology, and are all changing significantly because of recent changes in the timing of phenological events. Particularly important to natural resource managers, the abundance of a population depends on its phenology and the phenologies of the species with which it interacts. If, for example, a bird species depends on caterpillars for food during the spring breeding season, the bird's population size may decline if the caterpillar population peaks prior to the breeding season. Examples of temporal mismatches like this one have already been documented in North America and elsewhere. In addition to being ecologically important, the study of phenology can provide a gateway to outdoor education for park visitors. Most phenological events, such as flowering, leaf coloring, frog calling, and bird migrations, are relatively easy to observe and are culturally important. The study of phenology can serve as a method to introduce people to exploration of nature, the scientific method, and ecological principles. Moreover, by monitoring phenology, people can contribute directly to climate change science, a topic of great social interest. Because of phenology's importance to ecology, sensitivity to climate change, and utility as an educational tool, several parks within the National Park Service (NPS) Northeast Temperate Network (NETN) are participating in a multi-year pilot project to test various methods of monitoring plant and animal phenology. Phenology is one of the NETN's Vital Signs that is, a physical, chemical, or biological element or process of park ecosystems selected to represent the overall health or condition of park resources, known or hypothesized effects of stressors, or elements that have important human values. The pilot project is a collaborative effort of the NETN, Schoodic Education and Research Center, USA National Phenology Network (USANPN), The Wildlife Society, Acadia National Park (ACAD), Appalachian National Scenic Trail (APPA), Boston Harbor Islands National Park Area (BOHA), Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park (MABI), Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), and Appalachian Trail Conservancy. Funding for the first year of the project was provided by a fellowship from Acadia National Park and in-kind contributions from the participating organizations. This report summarizes results from the first year of this multi-year pilot. Objectives The objectives of the project are to: 1. Find the appropriate fit for phenology monitoring and use of phenology data within the current monitoring, research, management, and education activities at various national parks. 2. Adapt and test existing monitoring protocols to evaluate their suitability in tracking key phenological events of target plants and animals. 3. Identify and monitor the phenology of target species in various parks. 4. Educate the public, particularly volunteers making observations. 5. Provide a template for future phenology monitoring at national parks throughout the United States.' Research Recommendations: (See abstract continued in Notes)