Project Description
This project is recording ground-based visual assessments of the spring and autumn phenological development of marked trees in Downer Woods, continuing a long-term collection series. These data are combined with concurrently collected air/soil temperatures, under-canopy light levels, visual/near-infrared camera observations taken from the East Sandburg Hall tower, and satellite-derived data. The objectives of the project are: 1) to better understand the environmental drivers of spring and autumn phenology, especially the differences among species; 2) bridge the spatial scale and methodological differences between satellite-derived and ground-level visual assessments of phenology; 3) development of improved models to simulate phenological development using environment drivers, especially when combined with data from other sites; and 4) assess annual changes in phenological timing as well as differences among a population of individuals.
Tasks and Responsibilites
The student starts by assisting in checking all marked trees in early autumn to see that they are still properly marked and identified. Trees will be repainted as needed. Then every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday (three times a week, 2-3 hours each time) the student records the visual phenological state of each tree using a standard protocol. This work extends from first coloring of leaves, until all leaves have dropped (about 7-9 weeks). Subsequently, in spring the student follows a similar procedure to first check marked trees just before the time of first bud burst, until all trees have reached full leaf development (about 7-9 weeks). Finally, the student enters all their data from both the spring and autumn field seasons into Excel tables using a predefined format and checks it for accuracy.
Desired Qualifications
None Listed.