Signs of the Seasons: A New England Phenology Program

Using their backyards as laboratories, participants in the Signs of the Seasons program help scientists document the local effects of global climate change. Hundreds are trained to observe and record the phenology (seasonal changes) of common plants and animals living in their own communities, a citizen science project that fills a gap in regional climate research.

Volunteers across Maine and now New Hampshire record the growth of milkweed, the nesting of robins and more. The goal is to build a rich, detailed record of the region’s seasonal turns, a resource too costly to build without a network of citizen volunteers. The collected data are made available to our collaborating scientists and resource managers.

For Signs of the Seasons training locations and dates, visit .

To register for scheduled trainings, please fill out the Volunteer Interest Form, which includes the location where you are able to participate, or call 207.832.0343 and speak with Pam Doherty.