Unleashing the Power of Citizen Science: Rockweed Phenology Workshops Along Maine’s Coast

A group of aspiring citizen scientists are learning about rockweed phenology along the coast in Brunswick through a series of workshops hosted by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Maine Sea Grant. The first training session is on April 4 from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Stimpson’s Point, with additional sessions in Falmouth, Wells, Augusta, Camden, and Boothbay throughout the month. A full schedule can be found on the Signs of the Seasons webpage, and a 3-part webinar series is also available for those unable to attend in person.

During the workshops, participants will learn how to make scientific observations of phenology, which is the study of cyclic and seasonal changes in plants and animals. They will practice making observations and leave with the tools and knowledge needed to set up their own observation site to record changes in phenology. The Signs of the Seasons project is a statewide effort to recruit volunteers to identify and record changes in over 20 different indicator species like rockweed, milkweed, loons, butterflies, and lilacs. These changes are crucial for understanding Maine’s changing climate.

The workshops are free, but registration on the program website is required. For more information or to request reasonable accommodations, contact Keri Kaczor at keri.kaczor@maine.edu or Beth Bisson at beth.bisson@maine