If you see a problem, how can you design a good question that will help you start to investigate and work towards solutions? 

This past weekend Biosphere 2 celebrated Earth Day. As a Science & Society Fellow I was there to start testing the proposed Nature’s Notebook at B2 Phenology Trail. With permanent signs going to print, the test trail consisted of numbered markers that posted the plant species name. Visitors began in the B2 Visitor’s Center where a Nature’s Notebook table provided datasheets, clipboards, and information on how to start making phenology observations. It was my goal to introduce the concept of phenology and the benefits of citizen science opportunities to all       visitors that day. 

Phenology is the study of the life cycle of plants and animals. Bird migrations and their timing every year is phenology. The flowering of a desert tree like the mesquite is a phenological occurrence too. In the past I have seen young people immediately grab on the word “phenology” - maybe be it sounds funny, or maybe because when I talk about it I make sure that no one is getting it mixed up with “phrenology” or the study focused on measuring the human skull to determine your propensity for neurosis. Phenology is serious science that helps us understand the little changes that occur everyday in the living things that surround us. By making observations on plant and animal phenology, we can understand how these living things are being effected by changes in our environment and our climate.

The majority of visitors who stopped at the Nature’s Notebook table turned out to be families. Kids ages ranged from 6 to 18 years old and they all seemed ready to try out just about anything related to science. Citizen science was a new concept for everyone. I explained that anyone can practice becoming a scientist by making citizen science contributions. There are projects and programs all over the United States where newbie and seasoned observers alike go out to collect important scientific data that is contributed to a larger database of observations. These observation databases are available to scientists and students for research that spans many different disciplines. Many parents liked the idea of programs that they could do as a family either in their backyard or nearby at a park. Making an observation creates moments where young people must focus all of their attention on the condition and state of a plant or animal, then make a judgement based on their observation, and note it in a log or datasheet. It seems pretty simple, but making an observation is the first step to forming a relationship with a plant or animal and then nature as a whole.

With so many people at Biosphere 2 for Earth Day, I couldn’t have handled all the inquisitive people at the Nature’s Notebook table. It was a good thing that 14 year old Katie Martinez was available to assist with the event. Katie and I met at an Ironwood Tree Experience program a few years ago and she soon after began an internship at the Office of Arid Lands Studies at the University of Arizona. As an intern, Katie has helped with many outreach events and also worked on her own research that is focused on Food Mapping. We made a great team last weekend, with one of us greeting visitors at the table and the other leading new citizen scientists down the first few stops on the Nature’s Notebook at B2 Phenology Trail. A big thank you to Katie, the great people at the National Phenology Network, and everyone at B2 who helped to create the EARTH DAY 2011 celebration!!!

A special thank you to Kit O’Connor, SNRE grad student and B2 Science & Society Fellow, who traveled the Phenology Trail with one especially enthusiastic family from Germany who are sure to travel home inspired and with new purpose to make daily phenology observations as a result of the wonderful information provided by Kit as a complement to the species along the trail. Who knew that mesquite beans required a special mill because of their extra durable coating?!? Thanks Kit!!!

For more info on EARTH DAY 2011 at Biosphere 2 CLICK HERE