Phenology Monitoring Workshop

Friends of Pinellas Master Naturalists is Sponsoring a

Phenology Monitoring Workshop

For UF/IFAS Florida Master Naturalist Program Graduates

& Friends of Pinellas Master Naturalists Members

July 30, 2011 – Saturday

9 a.m. to 12 noon

Hosted at the Honeymoon Island Nature Center

1 Causeway Blvd., Dunedin FL 34698

( Mid-Pinellas County on the Gulf of Mexico )

Space is Limited. RVSPs Required – See Below

This interesting, environmentally related observation workshop will be taught by George Kish of the U.S. Geological Survey, Tampa . He will instruct us on the important study of animal and plant life cycles (phenology) and how these are being affected over the years by recurring climatological events. 

Through the UF/IFAS Florida Master Naturalist Program, we know that nature relies on food webs that are intricately connected. Mr. Kish will teach us to use phenology as a tool for documenting if nature’s cycles are still in harmony…or are they transitioning out of synch due to climate changes? If they are changing at different paces, what could this do to the insects that depend on the plants flowering at a certain time in the spring, summer or fall? What happens to the flowers that may not have the right insects around to pollinate them? From plankton food webs to terrestrial food webs, we are all interconnected and FMNP grads like you could assist researchers learn more about these climate-related transitions. 

Bring your laptop. Since phenology is an active citizen science program being utilized, Mr. Kish will also introduce us to the USA National and Florida Phenology Network. You can help make a difference in their database as Florida is currently one of the few active geographic affiliates.

• Free 3-hour workshop; only fee is entrance into the state park. 
• Bring your laptop. If you don’t have a laptop to bring – that is fine. Be ready to take notes so that you can use this information on your computer at home.

George Kish is a hydrologist with the U.S. Geological Survey in Tampa, Florida and a project manager for the USA National Phenology Network working to establish long-term phenology research partners and study sites in the Southeast. He organizes local and regional workshops to teach students, citizen scientists, and ecologists how to observe and record phenological events in the Southeast.

Mr. Kish is a PhD student at the University of South Florida in the Department of Geography. He earned a B.S. in Biology from Drexel University and his M.S. degree in Environmental Science from Rutgers University . His research interests include ecological responses to climate change and urbanization.

RSVP to FMNP Instructor Jeanne Murphy

at 727-327-1345, or jmurphy@sensingnature.com.

(If you email, please put “Phenology Workshop” in the Subject line.)

Space is Limited