Spring Ephemeral Phenology Observer

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Do you like spring wildflowers? How about the animals that interact with them? Spring Ephemeral Phenology Observers will assist with 2023 spring and summer observations of wildflower phenology, pollination, herbivory, and seed dispersal. The project, funded by the National Science Foundation, seeks to understand whether spring wildflowers can adapt their phenology and the timing of species interactions to climate change. This is a multi-institutional effort that will take place simultaneously at four botanical gardens across the Midwest and southeast in addition to Holden Forests & Gardens. Our study species include Great White Trillium, Bloodroot, Yellow Trout Lily, and Wild Ginger, among others.

Volunteers at the Holden Arboretum will help Drs. Stuble and Miller observe and collect data on spring ephemeral plants in the Myrtle S. Holden Wildflower Garden. These data will include the dates and duration of leaf emergence, first flowering, first fruiting, seed drop, and leaf withering. We will also record the dates and duration of pollination, herbivory, and animal-mediated seed dispersal, and will record which groups of animals are observed performing these roles (i.e., bees, butterflies, birds, etc.).

Responsibilities:

• Support staff and serve as a positive representative of Holden Forests & Gardens
• Follow supervisor instructions to complete tasks
• Observe emergence of plants (phenology) or interactions (pollination, herbivory, and seed dispersal) based on schedule. Volunteers can do either phenology observations or interactions, or both.
• Log phenology observations phases in Budburst app (paper sheets available, if needed)
• Perform pollinator, herbivore, and seed dispersal (the interactions) observations and identify insects to Order and Family using field guides; log interactions in Budburst and/or iNaturalist app and data sheets
• Take pictures of phenology phases and insects that interact with plants and submit them on apps
• Submit data sheet(s) as instructed
• Represent Holden Forests & Gardens in a professional manner to visitors
• Maintain the safety of people, plants, and animals
• Attend trainings, orientations, or clinics as required
• Additional related tasks as needed

Outcomes/Impact:

• Improved understanding of the role of evolutionary flexibility in spring phenology and the timing of biological species interactions under climate change
• Improved estimates of climate change-induced range shifts in plants
• Increased conservation of spring ephemeral plants
• Ensure maintenance of HF&G’s state-wide and national status as a leader and important contributor to pollinator conservation and science

This position runs March through mid-September. Shifts are 2-2.5 hours and should be completed between 10am and 2pm weekly, with exceptions for needed time off. The middle of the day is best for species and plant observations.

• Phenology observations should generally be done on Tuesdays and Thursdays and can be rescheduled to another day if the weather does not meet the appropriate conditions for observation (i.e., lightning/heavy rain). This will take about 2 hours.
• Interaction observations can be done anytime during Tuesday-Sunday and will take approximately 2.5 hours. Interaction observation plant groupings will be listed on Tuesdays each week as the placeholder in VicNet.