International Society of Biometeorology

Brief summary activities of ISB-SG2, Phenology Study Group – Fall 1996-1999

Fall 1996 to Fall 1999

Formal Activities:

  1. Fall 1996: Group launched new journal “Phenology and Seasonality”
  2. Summer 1997: New journal folds due to publisher being sold. Group sponsored book edited by Lieth and Schwartz “Phenology of Seasonal Climates I”, published Fall 1997
  3. Summer 1997: Group (Schwartz) organized and conducted (in March 1998) a Phenology Symposium in Boston, MA, USA, in conjuction with the Association of American Geographer’s meetings. Four paper/one poster/one discussion sessions, with approximately 25 participants from the USA and Europe.
  4. Summer 1998: Group (Schwartz) coordinated plans for a phenology theme issue of the IJB, in concert with Editor-in-Chief Iriki. Issue appeared in early 1999, with papers presented at the 1998 phenology symposium, as well as a mini-review on the future of phenological research (Schwartz).
  5. Fall 1998: Group (Beaubien-Sparks) organized and will conduct a paper session to be held at the XVI International Botanical Congress in St. Louis, MO, USA, August 1999. Six participants will attend from the USA and Europe.
  6. Summer 1999: Group (Beaubein-Sparks) will coordinate another IJB phenology theme issue with Editor-in-Chief Iriki. This will include papers from the St. Louis session.
  7. Fall 1999: Schwartz to be an invited keynote speaker at the ISB Congress in Sydney, speaking on the future of phenology. Other group members to present papers and participate in the congress.

Informal activities:

  • Schwartz is working with the GLOBE program to promote primary-secondary student lilac phenological observations as part of science curriculums and to benefit research, as well as a USA lilac phenology network. Globe schools in Europe, USA, and Japan are participating.
  • Van Vliet is coordinating an extensive and comprehensive phenology research proposal for Europe that will be submitted this month.
  • Beaubein has continued and expanded to Plantwatch (student/school phenological observation/education/science curriculum enhancement) program to other countries (originated in Canada).
  • In general all members of the group have contined efforts to promote the development of Global Phenological Monitoring and the stated goals of the Study Group (see web page).

Mark D. Schwartz Chair, ISB SG2-Phenology