In Brunswick, a group of young citizen scientists are learning about rockfish phenology through workshops hosted by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Maine Sea Grant. These in-person training sessions are part of the Signs of the Seasons citizen science project, which aims to recruit volunteers to identify and record changes in over 20 different indicator species such as rockweed, milkweed, watermelons, butterflies and lilacs. By collecting data on these species, volunteers help create a detailed record of seasonal changes in the region that can be used by collaborating scientists and resource managers.
The first training session is scheduled for Thursday, April 4th from 12:30pm to 2:30pm at Stimpson’s Point in Brunswick. Additional workshops will take place throughout April and May in Falmouth, Wells, Augusta, Camden and Boothbay. A full schedule is available on the Signs of the Seasons website. For those unable to attend in person, a 3-part webinar series is also offered.
Workshop participants will learn how to make scientific observations of phenology, which is the study of cyclical and seasonal changes in plants and animals. They will practice making observations and will leave with the tools and knowledge needed to set up their own observation site to record changes in phenology. The workshops are free but registration is required on the program’s website. For more information or to request a reasonable accommodation