I heard about this project on NPR. I was intrigued. I went on-line and found it:
This project is mapping and chronicling the growth cycle of certain common
wildflowers, trees, and shrubs throughout the United States to see if global
warming or cooling patterns are emerging. There are plant identification
guides and plenty of information for you to identify common plants in your
area and report their budding, flowering, seeding, and growth cycle completion.
One of the plants they are following is the common dandelion. By looking at
the Project BudBurst map, you can see that they are blooming in the southern
states already. The common lilac is also on the list, so you don't have to be
a botanist to report for your area.
I will be watching my backyard but I could sign up to monitor a nature reserve
or local park. There are lots of interactive projects for educators and children.
If you are interested in gardening or plants, this is an interesting way to see what
is happening in our environment on a national scale.
Westbrook Realty ~ Grand Rapids Real Estate
Copyright 2009 all rights reserved
Lilac photo by Bonnie Westbrook
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