Time Flies When You're Having Fun!

It's crazy to think that today, May 16, was our last official phenology outing. Outside the temperature was soaring to mid-80 degree weather and everything surrounding me was green. Cotton danced around me, a sure sign that summer is almost here. It's funny; my first day of phenology couldn't have been more opposite. My first phenology notes were from February 1st. There were snow piles on the ground, the creek was slow moving, the temperature was about 45 degrees, and there were really no signs of animals or insects due to the organisms' responses to the SCREW factor in winter. So much changes throughout a few months. Within this short time my willow went from budding to growing leaves up to 12 centimeters long. The land around my site was brown and dull, sometimes covered with snow. Now it is moist and green; tall grass around the creek and dandelions fill my site. The creek has recently been flowing much more rapidly. Unlike February, ducks, squirrels, bees, and birds encompass the world around me as I take it all in at Pioneer Park. Phenology means to study the seasonal natural phenomena, especially in relation to climate and plant/animal life. This is exactly what we did in our environmental science class, 2012. I will surely miss the nice escapes out of the building, practicing our naturalist skills. Phenology really has been a fun experience for me, and I plan to take what I have learned and use it throughout my life.