2-month Special Project - tracking tree leaf-out in your region Please track seasonal changes in trees through May    Jake F. Weltzin Executive Director 520.622.0363, Bio jweltzin@usgs.gov   YOU'RE INVITED Join with me and other researchers who are literally using your data right now to answer questions and to find out what your observations mean when combined with other observations across the region.   As always, please be sure to record the last date there were NO "breaking leaf buds" as well as the first date that YES, you saw "Breaking leaf buds." The NOs are important to capture because they help us zero in on when a life stage, like leaf out, begins.      Greetings!   Last week I invited you to team with me and other scientists on something exciting.   We're using deciduous tree leaf-out as a sign of spring, and we need more observations on 9 target tree species in your area:    If you've already started observing one of these species - thank you!   If you haven't, there is still time!   Please start observing one (or more) individual trees from this list of 9 species today    How to help with this special assignment:   1. Add one or more individual trees for one or more of these species to your personal list of plants in Nature's Notebook (if you haven't already).   2. Print your datasheets.    3. Go outside and make observations, then enter your data online afterward.   Thank you for helping me track these trees in your area. We'll provide you a report on our findings later in the year.   Sincerely,           Jake F. Weltzin Executive Director, USA-NPN   PS: If possible, please observe your tree(s) every 2 to 4 days this spring.