Coming into Bloom: The Science and Personal Experience of Phenology

Phenology is all about timing—when trees leaf out, flowers bloom, birds migrate, animals bear young and hibernate—and it is everywhere around us. Seasonal events quietly but steadly occur in response to fluctuations in daylength, temperatures, and rainfall patterns, and these events are threaded through our daily lives, shaping our experiences and perceptions. As well, the timing of seasonal activity is being affected by rapidly changing climate conditions, with significant ecological and economic impacts. In this presentation, I’ll share how we are all phenologists in our own way. I will also share how you can participate in documenting the timing of seasonal life cycle events—for the benefits to mental health and for the good of the environment, as the data gathered can be directly helpful in supporting climate change action.

Doors open at 6:30pm. The presentation starts at 7:00pm.

*The event is free, but space is limited, and registration is required. For those unable to attend in person, the talk will be live-streamed on our YouTube Channel.

Theresa Crimmins is an internationally recognized phenology researcher, director of the USA National Phenology Network, and associate professor in the School of Natural Resources and the Environment at the University of Arizona. In her role with the Network, Theresa supports an amazing team and works enthusiastically to support the growth and use of phenology data and resources curated by the USA-NPN, involvement in , and a broader appreciation of phenology among scientists and non-scientists alike.

Theresa has published over 70 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters in journals including Nature, Geophysical Research Letters, Global Change Biology, and Journal of Ecology. Her writing has appeared in Scientific American, The Hill, and the Old Farmer’s Almanac, and Nautilus Magazine. She shared her thoughts about the importance of observing phenology in a TEDx talk in October 2024 and her book, , was published through MIT Press in early 2025.

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