By Tommy McCarthy, Environmental Educator

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“Phenology” is a word that I had first heard of from signs alongside trails at nature preserves. It’s not one of the more well known “ologies” that we usually think of when it comes to nature, like ecology, biology and geology. Even ones like entomology (the study of insects) and ornithology (the study of birds) are typically more well recognized. But phenology is something we all think about and take note of each year whether or not we realize it, and now is the perfect time to become more aware of this “ology” as we head into spring and observe all the changes beginning to take place around us.

The definition of phenology is “the study of cyclic and seasonal natural phenomena, especially in relation to climate and plant and animal life”. As an example, one of the first such natural phenomena that comes to my mind when I think of phenology is frogs, toads and salamanders breeding and laying their eggs. This is an especially fun and interesting one to pay attention to year after year. The timing is always a bit different depending on how the transition from winter to spring gets along, and when it does happen, it’s just joyous to spend time observing. Wood Frogs are the first frog species to lay their eggs each year, and will do so on one of the first warm days after the ice (if there was any) on their breeding pools thaws. On this day, there will be thousands of Wood Frogs calling and seeking out mates as they float, swim, and hop around in vernal pools or swampy areas. Knowing that this occurs on one of the first few balmy days is the best way to get out and witness it - because once it’s over, you will only hear Wood Frogs call on occasion, and not in such large groups. Being aware of phenology can help you to seek out and marvel at these once-a-year natural events that you might otherwise miss!

Phenology isn’t just about frogs though - it’s pretty all encompassing when it comes to the different things you can pay attention to out in nature. The timing of spring ephemerals (which are the first wildflowers to bloom as the season changes), the arrival of various migratory bird species, different tree species pollinating and growing their leaves, caterpillars hatching and subsequently undergoing metamorphosis - these are just a few examples for springtime. There are thousands of things you could pay attention to at various times of the year that would fall under the umbrella of phenology. Don’t think of it as overwhelming though - think of it as something you can tailor to your interests!

 

One fun activity you can do to explore phenology is keep a seasonal journal of your observations in nature along with dates and weather information. It doesn’t have to be a high effort endeavor - a leisurely walk with your phone camera and some curiosity is enough. Just having it on your mind can be a fulfilling way to practice mindfulness while learning about your surroundings. Stopping to look at small details like fungi pushing up through the leaf litter or photographing tiny wildflowers scattered along the bank of a stream can become a tradition for your own seasonal journal. Phenology highlights some of the most fascinating cycles in nature, and it is as simple as observing things that interest you year after year. You may even notice trends and uncover relationships between things like weather patterns and the timing or scale of certain phenomena. There are so many things to look forward to each year, and phenology is about being attuned to that. See what you can notice this season! Have the flowers started blooming yet? When do you first hear frogs and when do their eggs appear? What day do you first start hearing that familiar bird song? So many things to look forward to.