This October was the 4th warmest on record for the contiguous U.S. (NCDC 2014). Extended warmth appears to delay leaf color change; are you seeing the effects of this warmth in the timing of leaf color change and drop on your trees?

If you haven't yet seen leaf color change, you might want to check out a recently released tool that provides short-term forecasts of fall foliage coloration (pictured at right). But, maybe you're in the states that have been experiencing snow and ice as of late...if that's the case, you can take a breather from your regular phenology observations!

A heads-up that our website is expected to be down the weekend of Dec 6-7 as we upgrade our servers.

Enjoy the fall!

 
What your data are telling us
Did you know? Colored leaves are still leaves

This is the season of reporting "yes" to colored leaves and falling leaves phenophases for many plants. Please be aware - if you have colored leaves still on your plant, you still have leaves, and should still be answering "yes" to leaves.
What's new at Nature's Notebook and USA-NPN
Next webinar: Nature's Notebook 2014 Results

Join us Tuesday (probably today by the time you read this!) to learn what your 2014 observations reveal and the ways scientists are using your observations. We will cover results from the 2014 Campaigns, as well as a range of other results from observers across the country.

November 11, 11am Pac, 12pm Mtn (&AZ), 1pm Cen, 2pm Eastern 
Raw data too complicated? We can help!

Have you ever tried to download your observation data in spreadsheet form, and then been overwhelmed and at a loss as to what to do next? We understand! For the most part, what is of interest is when flowering, leafing, migrating, and so on started, stopped, and how long it lasted.

The summarized data available through the Data Download Tool now provides this information. Check out the instructional videos in the sidebar of the download page for information on how to download and analyze these data.
Recent happenings in the field of phenology
Wonderful addition to your winter reading list

I recently had the distinct pleasure of reading Diary of a Citizen Scientist: Chasing Tiger Beetles and Other New Ways of Engaging the World. This lovely book chronicles an author's wholehearted foray into the realm of citizen science. Sharman Apt Russell, a professor of writing, voluntarily takes on in-depth entomological studies in this wonderfully woven story. She also describes her experiences participating in Nature's Notebook and other valuable volunteer efforts, placing the contributions into a multi-layered context. Her willingness to stretch so far outside of her comfort zone is inspiring!

More ways to get involved
Are you listed on an 
NN 
Leaderboard?

Your diligent efforts collecting and submitting phenology observations are recognized! The Nature's Notebook leaderboards rank participants by weekly, monthly, annually, and all-time contributions, and are constantly updating. Does your name appear on one of the boards? 

Contact
 
Theresa Crimmins
Partnerships & Outreach Coordinator
520-622-0363
theresa@usanpn.org
 

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