The vegetation phenology study is part of a larger effort to understand the influence of climate variability and change on trophic interactions in mountainous terrain. Phenology Core Sites were selected to capture the variation in elevation and topography across Lookout Creek watershed. Priority was given to sites with long-term air and soil temperature records (Reference stands) and previous phenology observations (Reference stands and stream gauging stations). Sixteen sites were established. At each site five individuals of from each 18 common species (if occurring within the site) from tree, shrub and herb layers were mapped and marked for observation. Weekly observations are conducted each year beginning in March or April depending on winter conditions and snowpack and continuing through June or July. Plant vegetative and reproductive phenophases are scored using a numbered system adapted to each plant species.
Jay M. Sexton, Mark D Schulze, Sarah Ward
The vegetation phenology study is part of a larger effort to understand the influence of climate variability and change on trophic interactions in mountainous terrain. The initial objectives are to investigate patterns of microclimate variability across Lookout Watershed and plant response to spatial and temporal variability in snowpack dynamics and winter and spring air and soil temperatures. The plant phenology efforts from 2009-2014 were coordinated with insect phenology and bird phenology sampling to improve understanding of how species across trophic levels respond to environmental variability, the extent to which climate variability may contribute to trophic asynchrony, as well as the potential for mountain microclimate diversity to buffer the effects of climate change. Over time, the research program will contribute to our understanding of how climate variability and change is influencing the timing and duration of the active growing period.