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Investigating the footprint of climate change on phenology and ecological interactions in north-central North America

Author(s): Charles McClaugherty

University of Mount Union

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Summary:
This is an FMN participant modification of the TIEE module "Investigating the footprint of climate change on phenology and ecological interactions in north-central North America," authored by Kellen Calinger in 2014.
Contents:

Description

The module was implemented at University of Mount Union by Chuck McClaugherty. 

  • Course: ENV 350 Environmental Case Studies
  • Course Level: Predominantly juniors in the Environmental Science program
  • Instructional Setting: A small class in a seminar/field work style.  Mets twice a week with 100 minute meetings.
  • Implementation Timeframe: Five weeks or ten 100 minute sessions

Notes

We collected blooming time data for our local species and compared them to growing degree days calculated for our site.  
We also selected ten spring-blooming species and collected data from our on-site regional herbarium as to collection dates of specimens that were in bloom.  Using the Ohio State Phenology calculator we were able to calculate historic growing degree days for specific dates. Using this data we were able to compare our current growing degree day bloom relationships with historic data along with shifts in d bloom dates.  Students in the class then prepared and gave a group presentation to the public at our University Nature Center.

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