Using Phenology as a Tool for Education, Research, and Understanding Environmental Change

Phenology is the study of recurring plant and animal lifecycle stages, or phenophases, their timing, and relationship to the environment. Phenology is sometimes called the “science of the seasons” because the different phenophases we observe such as blooming plants and migrating birds are seasonal events. In short, phenology can help us understand ecosystems and species interactions for healthy environments. This educational material provides suggestions for implementing phenology lessons using examples from 4-H youth development and Master Gardener and citizen science training.