“Phenology is nature’s calendar—when cherry trees bloom, when a robin builds its nest and
when leaves turn color in the fall.”  –USA National Phenology Network

Phenology is the study of the timing of recurring biological events in the animal and plant world, the causes of their timing regarding biotic and abiotic forces. Leaf unfolding, flowering of plants in spring, fruit ripening, color changing and leaf fall in autumn as well as the appearance and departure of migrating birds and the timing of animal breeding are all examples of phenological events.

Adam Rembert, Restoration Ecology Coordinator here at LREC, has released the 2021 LREC phenology report. The long-term phenology study at the Litzsinger Road Ecology Center focuses on the timing of flower bloom in our prairies and woodlands. The study has been ongoing since 2014, modelled after a similar study done at Shaw Nature Reserve.