Phenology refers to the timing of seasonal activity in plants and animals, including when birds build their nests, insects emerge, and flowers bloom.

SNRE is home to the nation’s premiere phenology program, the USA National Phenology Network. The USA-NPN engages people of all skill levels in tracking phenology, develops and delivers a wide array of data products indicating the timing of seasonal events, and communicates widely about the importance of these topics.

SNRE faculty members’ research also address intersections between phenology and the abundance, distribution, and diversity of organisms, ecosystem services, food webs, and global cycles of water and carbon. We explore how variations in climate and other natural changes may trigger biological responses that alter ecosystem processes and services. Our research benefits everyone, from gardeners who need to know when to plant to avoid frosts to farmers who rely on our information so they can decide when to apply fertilizers and pesticides.