Intro to Phenology at Irvine Park

Phenology is the study of how an ecosystem changes through the seasons. It involves observing changes in nature and recording those observations for comparison at a later date. When do buds appear on trees? When do trees begin changing color? When do they drop their leafs? When do migrating birds arrive and leave? When do wild flowers bloom? When do oaks drop their acorns?

Humans have studied phenology longer than the term has existed. It allowed hunter-gathers to track food sources. It facilitated agricultural development.

Today, it helps to restore and preserve habitats, recover species, and track climate change.

This hike is part one of what will be a monthly or quarterly hike in which we track changes in a single ecosystem throughout the year. Therefore, we will focus more on our observations and less on the hike for the sake of hiking.

Location: Irvine Regional Park.

Starting point: Grassy area across road from Parking Lot B. Look for the guy with long hair, beard, and cowboy hat. I'll try to also bring flagging tape or balloons to make it obvious.

Distance: No more than six miles, and there will also be an easy way to cut the outing in half for those wanting to do so.

Elevation gain: Minimal

Terrain: Dirt trail, rocky trails, pavement

Difficulty: Beginner

We start with introductions, share our hiking and science experiences and interests. I'll provide a quick "how to" for keeping a field journal, specifically the elements needed in a phenological study. Then we'll start walking. This might take 30 minutes or there abouts, so I'll try to snag a picnic table. Feel free to bring a chair, too, as there will be time to put them away before we start hiking.

Recommended gear:
- Footwear suitable for dirt paths, creek beds, and pavement
- Clothing suitable for the weather
- Water
- Snacks (if desired)
- Notebook and writing instruments
- Hand lens / magnifying device
- Ruler
- Phone or tablet with ID apps (Not a necessity, as Irvine Regional Park can be a bit spotty when it comes to data service)

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