Student Observers Needed for Spring Phenological Study Overview We are seeking students to participate as phenological observers in a National Science Foundation funded project being conducted in northern Wisconsin for approximately four weeks during spring 2008. Selected individuals will work as part of a four-person observation team. Starting and ending times will vary a few days depending on spring weather conditions, but most likely commence during the last week of April and extend to the last week of May.
Phenology is the study of periodic plant and animal life cycle events that are influenced by environmental changes, especially seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation driven by weather and climate. Wide ranges of phenomena are included, from first openings of leaf and flower buds, to insect hatchings and return of birds. Each one gives a ready measure of the environment as viewed by the associated organism. Thus, timings of phenological events are ideal indicators of the impact of local and global changes in weather and climate on the Earth's biosphere. Qualifications Team members must be able to work with minimal supervision in a variety of outdoor conditions. They must also show attention to detail and be able to make accurate observations as well as systematically record them. Orientation Before starting, team members will receive a full orientation to phenology as well as the specific protocols and procedures to be used during the field work. On-going support will also be provided. Lodging Team members will be housed at the Kemp Natural Resource Station (KNRS) in Woodruff, WI. The station has comfortable rooms, showers, and kitchen facilities, as well as wireless Internet connectivity. See http:// www.kemp.wisc.edu for more details about this facility. Work and Schedule Team members will generally go into the field every other day, so work days will alternate with days off during the four-week period. This schedule may change for short periods if necessary due to severe or unusual weather. On work days the team will be transported to the field site and spend approximately eight hours recording the phenological state of tagged trees along marked transects. Cold lunches, beverages, and water will be carried in each work day. Benefits Team memberâs reasonable transportation costs to and from their home institutions to UW-Milwaukee (UWM) will be covered. All transportation to and from UWM to KNRS and to and from KNRS to the field site, food, and lodging expenses during the four-week period will be provided. In addition, team members will each receive a $2000 stipend. Contact Information If you would like more information or wish to be considered as a phenological observer, please contact Prof. Mark D. Schwartz, Dept. of Geography, UWM at (414) 229-3740 or [EMAIL PROTECTED]
