Nature's Notebook Quarterly
Nature's Notebook logo
Issue Fall 2011

banner leaf change color no border
Greetings!

 

Fall is in full swing. That means shorter days. Longer nights. And much cooler temperatures.

 

If you're like other passionate citizen scientists, fall is an exciting season. Forest canopies become a patchwork of vivid colors. Leaves drop. The air even smells different.  

 

Sure, fall occurs every year, but it doesn't always manifest in the same ways. In 2011, there have been some interesting things happening. Check it out...

 

In this issue

Phenology News: Fall update for you

New, FREE Android app for you makes observing paperless and easier

Citizen science project welcomes you: NASA's Juniper Pollen Project  

 

Quick Links

Phenology highlights from around the world

 


Fall colors sweep south
in Michigan



Facebook-exclusive info posted weekly now



Like us on Facebook

You're invited to visit USA-NPN's Facebook page for new info 
shared weekly:
  • observer photos
  • new articles
  • early release research results
  • contests
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Don't miss out on discovery and learning ops. USA-NPN posts a lot of good info only on Facebook, like our Creativity Blitz contest winner this month. You're welcome to connect with fellow observers on there today.



Joe Caprio
IN LOVING MEMORY
USA-NPN Annual Report Cover
Joe Caprio, "father" of lilac phenological observations in the US and the first large-scale phenological observation network in this country, died last month. He will be greatly missed by family, friends, colleagues and many people who've indirectly benefited from his work. Read more about Joe and his incredible contributions to the field of phenology.
people enjoying fall aFall Update

Seasonal changes & discoveries in your area

 

In the last month, some pockets of the country have experienced unusual fall foliage. Scientists say leaves could change color and drop later this fall. Some citizen scientists like you have already started to track "tardy" fall colors -- learn what they've observed and what scientists have to say about it. 

 

You're also in tune with your own environment as a citizen scientist. Have you noticed any seasonal changes compared to years past? You're welcome to post photos or share what you've witnessed in your own home town with other observers now.Like us on Facebook

 

Local economies all over the US are bolstered because of the fall season, as millions of people embark on road trips to take in the colorful sights. If you have plans to hit the road, too, check out the US Forest Service's improved Fall Colors 2011 website featuring clickable maps, family activities and fall color information.

Android
B NEW, Free Android App for You

 Log your observations from the field in seconds

 

 You're invited to be an "early bird" new user of the  Android app. That's right. Only Nature's Notebook  observers like you are welcome to use it at this time. 

 

 Why just you? 

 

 #1 Well, it was created specifically for you and your  fellow Nature's Notebook friends to make observing easier.  

 

#2 We'd like to hear your thoughts on it first. This way, the app can be refined and finessed to your liking before its public release. But don't worry. We've tested it and this baby is ready to rock.   

  • No more paper data sheets! Which means you...
  • Record your observations only 1 time
  • It's fast. Easy. Free.

The real joy of this app is that you don't need data sheets anymore. Your best bet is to continue making edits to your sites, plants or animals online from your computer. But once you've got everything set up, you can easily enter your observations from your phone.  

 

You can download the app now. Please e-mail your feedback about it -- what you like or want improved -- to Echo Surina at [email protected].

 

(COMING THIS WINTER): iPhone app for Nature's Notebook observers

 

JPP logoCDo you want to observe juniper trees?

Join NASA's Juniper Pollen Project today 


It's not every day you get to help NASA.

Or feed scientists information they need to combat a real-world problem, like intensifying and debilitating allergy seasons.

NASA, USA-NPN and several other partnering organizations have teamed up on an exciting citizen science project called the Juniper Pollen Project. And you're invited to participate.

Just pick any of four spectacular juniper species in your area.
Your goal: Track the timing of their pollen production and release and log the information you discover in Nature's Notebook.

Being a citizen scientist on this project uniquely opens you up to  experiencing these iconic trees in entirely new ways.

The protocols you'd be following illuminate tree details and characteristics you've probably never noticed before.

Whether you're a novice or seasoned observer, you can become a more astute citizen scientist by engaging in the Juniper Pollen Project. It's also a way to make your observations benefit scientific discovery.

Learn more about the JPP or sign up to become an observer now.
 
PS: If juniper trees don't grow in your home town, you can participate in other great citizen science projects in your area.
Contact
Thank you
Thanks for being part of the Nature's Notebook community! It's great to have you here. Enjoy the fall. In a few months, look for your upcoming issue of Nature's Notebook Quarterly, the quarterly e-newsletter of the Nature's Notebook community.
Nature's Notebook LogoYour observations logged in Nature's Notebook are used by researchers to create strategies for our changing planet.
 
 There's another way you can contribute as a citizen scientist
 (that takes less than 10 seconds)...
 
It would be really helpful if you let us know what phenology-related issues you care about most
so we can better serve not only the scientific community but YOU, the one gathering the information being used, such as...
Table New 
Please share what you care about. A one-word answer or paragraph on Facebook would be helpful. Like us on Facebook Or you can email your thoughts to Echo at [email protected]. Thanks a lot! 

Contribute to scientific discovery - become a Citizen Scientist today!