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Your Photos Can Help Scientists Track Climate Change Effects

Photo by DOLLY CUMMINGS

Camp Bayou is sponsoring a contest for people to photograph various plants at the preserve - such as this chicksaw plum - in various phases.

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By YVETTE C. HAMMETT | The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 10, 2009

RUSKIN - Plant growth patterns could help scientists predict the effects of climate change.

And citizen scientists have an opportunity to assist by photographing plants in various stages of growth.

Camp Bayou Outdoor Learning Center in Ruskin is participating in a national study by hosting a photography contest in conjunction with its upcoming Citizen Science Symposium on March 20 and 21.

Park director Dolly Cummings is encouraging area residents to grab cameras and head for the trails at the nature park through March 20 to photograph plants in different stages, or phenophases, such as when a branch shoots out its first new leaves or flowers of the season.

The competition is called Project BudBurst. Photographers' submissions may be included in national field guides and on a Web site. Local photos will be available for public display at Camp Bayou and can be posted at www.flickr.com/groups/projectbudburst.

The idea behind Project BudBurst is to gather valuable environmental and climate change information from across the United States. The project is sponsored by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colo., and the University of Montana College of Forestry and Conservation.

"The great thing is that if professional scientists tried to do this on their own, they'd never have the time or the money to get it done," Cummings said.

By creating a huge network of recruits, scientists can gather a great deal of information faster, she said.

The national project focuses on phenology, the science of how climate change affects natural phenomena, such as plant budding and bird migrations.

For information, detailed plant identification photos and a downloadable activity guide, go to www.windows.ucar.edu/citizen_science/budburst.

For information about the local contest, go to www.campbayou.org, and click on "photography contest" for rules.

Reporter Yvette C. Hammett can be reached at (813) 865-1566.

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