Become a Season Spotter”
Why Season Spotting Matters

Aside from seasonal decisions on appropriate attire and where to vacation, what other significance does season spotting have for our communities?

Climate shifts affect both plant growth and insect populations, which in turn affect human economies that depend on nature-made materials, such as cotton for clothing. Climate is long-term of course - but weather variations, whether noted in the backyard gardens of hobbyists or on the decks of urban vegetable growers, could portend a real shift in climate. If a local season passes uncharacteristically without rain, it would certainly give clues as to what a longer-term climate shift to drought would bring.

Season Spotting is a way for you to observe and report on the changing of the seasons and how it impacts the plants in your area. Season Spotters keep an eye on calibration species - plants that are known to be sensitive to changes in climate - and provide their findings to the wider scientific community.

Becoming a Citizen Scientist Season Spotter gives you the opportunity to:

* Contribute important information on seasonal patterns that could affect our ecosystems - from the germination, growth and blossoming of your fellow gardener’s or farmer’s plants, to the boom or bust of insect populations that feast on particular plant varieties and provide food to key garden patrollers, such as the spider.

* Provide vital information that will help climate scientists determine the current and projected course of Earth’s climate.

* Teach your kids or students how to be scientific observers in a fun and engaging way that also gives them the opportunity to be part of an important, gloabl initiative.

* Get to know the seasons and become more attuned to your climate and community.

To learn more about climate, the seasons and how they impact us, visit The Facts About Climate resource page.

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Season Spotting