The USA National Phenology Network (USA-NPN) supports science and decision-making in a wide range of natural resource management applications by collecting, storing, and sharing plant and animal phenology data and derived data products. Through the plant and animal phenology program, Nature’s Notebook, and via the USA-NPN website, the Network offers flexible mechanism for data collection, management, access, and visualization. Finally, the Network works closely with partners and stakeholder communities to identify phenology data and data product needs.
In 2018, the Network released several new data products relevant to science and management inspired by partners and data users. Based on input from forest managers, the Network piloted a suite of short-term forecasts of the activity of invasive and pest species including emerald ash borer and hemlock woolly adelgid to enhance detection and control efforts.
Results/Conclusions
The data and data products offered by the USA-NPN are used in an increasing number of science and management applications. Using the USA-NPN’s forest pest forecasts, volunteers in New York are collecting phenology observations of the adelgid using Nature’s Notebook. These observations, which reveal the conditions under which the pest is seen in various life cycle stages, will guide the release of biocontrol agents to maximize treatment efficacy. Similarly, forest managers, tree care specialists, and homeowners use the USA-NPN’s pest forecasts to plan treatment of emerald ash borer, apple maggot, and winter moth. Based on the success and utility of these maps, the workflow established for generating these maps and short-term forecasts will be extended to additional applications such as pollen forecasts and tree budburst in the coming years.