USA National Phenology Network

The USA National Phenology Network (NPN) consists of four components or tiers, following the “Framework for Environmental Monitoring and Related Research” recommended by the Committee on Environmental and Natural Resources of the National Science and Technology Council (CENRNSTC)-- http://tinyurl.com/bq29cdh

Each tier represents different levels of spatial coverage and related environmental information:
• Tier 1: Networks of local intensive sites focused on process studies;
• Tier 2: Spatially extensive environmental networks focused on standardized observations;
• Tier 3: Volunteer and education networks, and
• Tier 4: Remote sensing products that can be assimilated to extend surface observations

Tier 1 of the pyramid represents intensive measured sites, potentially including the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON), Long Term Ecological Research Network (LTER) and AmeriFlux installations.

Tier 2 represents extensive, existing networks, potentially including the National Weather Service Cooperative Observer Program (NWS COOP), National Park Service (NPS) Inventory and Monitoring and the U.S. Forest Service Forest Inventory and Analysis National Program (USFS FIA) sites.

Tier 3 represents citizen scientists and educational groups. These contributors are critically important and the bulk of observations may come from this group.

Florida Bluebird Society http://floridabluebirdsociety.com/
Description: The Florida Bluebird Society's mission is the conservation and protection of Bluebirds and other federally protected cavity nesting bird species in North America. This is accomplished through educational programs and the collection and dissemination of pertinent and relevant information.
Taxonomic groups: Birds
Species: Eastern Bluebird (Sialis sialis)
Contact Name: Barbie Arms
Contact E-mail: floridabluebirds@aol.com

Florida Phenology Network
Description: Network of nature preserves, cooperative extension gardens and residential gardens throughout Florida.
Taxonomic groups: Flowering Plants, Birds, Mammals, Reptiles and Amphibians
Contact Name: George R. Kish
Contact E-mail: gkish@usgs.gov

Tier 4 is the base of the observation pyramid where you and I can record observations online and provide remotely sensed data that scientists will use to monitor invasive species; predict wildfires, and study how plants and animals are adapting to climate change. Want to learn how? Go to: http://tinyurl.com/87tjmx5

For more information, go to http://www.usanpn.org/