Your Photos Can Help Scientists

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 Citizen Science Symposium on March 20 and 21.

Park director Dolly Cummings is encouraging 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 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.

GET INVOLVED

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

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