We've added 94 plants and 12 animals to Nature's Notebook this year, including five species of fireflies, several plants including western redbud, Northern Flicker, and Lucy's Warbler, which we are adding for a new species interaction project called the Lucy Tree Project. We also updated the protocol for several fobs that retain green leaves throughout the dormant season.

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The second international prediction competition, “When Will the Cherry Trees Bloom?”, will be open throughout February 2023 for all statisticians and data scientists, from experts to students just beginning to use statistical software. Complete submissions include a short narrative and a link to a publicly accessible Git repository. 

Compete for prizes of up to $5,000 and help scientists better understand the impacts of climate change. 

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With the help of our student Ariana Ortega, we are bringing new life to the USA-NPN Instagram account! Give us a follow and we'll follow you back! We're also interested in highlighting Local Phenology Programs on the platform, let us know if you're interested!

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Gear up for your observations with USA-NPN and Nature's Notebook merchandise! T-shirts, mugs, and hoodies featuring the USA-NPN and Nature's Notebook logos are now available to order. Enter the code NARRATIVE for 15% off your purchase.

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A group of USA-NPN collaborators recently used over 4,000 Nature’s Notebook observations of oak (Quercus) trees in the eastern US to explore the relationship between flowering and air pollen. By finding a link between temperature and open flowers, they were able to predict peak in flowering timing at pollen monitoring stations. The peak flowering timing was strongly correlated with the observed peak airborne pollen at the stations, demonstrating that volunteer-collected phenology observations can support better predictions of the timing and severity of allergy season. 

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We are extending the deadline for the Local Phenology Program Annual Survey - you have until this Friday, February 3rd, to give us your feedback. Your input will help us determine what resources you need this year and will help us share your lessons learned with other Programs. Thank you for your feedback!

Complete the survey »

The Local Phenology Leader Certification Course application for the 2023 spring cohort is now open. This course is designed to help you establish a Nature's Notebook citizen science program at your organization or school. It is most appropriate for those interested in developing long-term phenology datasets and long-term engagement programs using Nature's Notebook. This 10-week course is led by USA-NPN Volunteer Engagement Coordinator Samantha Brewer will help you gain the skills needed to develop a program plan, recruit volunteers, collect observations, analyze observation data, and collaborate with community partners. The spring course will begin Feb 17, 2023.

The option to take the course as a self-paced online set of modules will be available later this spring.

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Through a collaboration with the US Geological Survey, the USA-NPN will debut a Pheno Forecast indicating when red brome (Bromus rubens) flowers and senesces. This information can support grazing rotations as well as estimating wildfire risk. The forecasts are expected to go live by February, 2023.

See all USA-NPN Pheno Forecasts »

Observations collected by citizen scientists revealed that botanical gardens in the southwest have higher diversity and abundance of butterflies than surrounding city areas. This study exemplifies how botanical gardens and other natural areas in urban landscapes allow community members to connect with nature and participate in scientific and conservation efforts.

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The US Global Change Research Program requests input from the public to help inform the framing, development, and eventual use of the first National Nature Assessment. The opportunity to submit comments is open through March 31, 2023.

Give your input »

Watch the video introduction »