Project Budburst is a national phenology field campaign designed to engage participants in collecting data and observing phonological events. It is a way to scientifically study the impacts of climate change on plant and animals. Project Budburst was launched in 2007 (“Project Budburst” 1). During Project Budburst the participants collect data on the flowering and leafing out of the trees, and then they submit the data to the Project Budburst website. The backbone of this program is the extensive work done by the participants, collaborators, and partners across the United States. The purpose of this project is to increase awareness of climate and environmental change on plants at a local level, increase understanding and appreciation of science …show more content…
The participants of Project Budburst are ten and up. Project Budburst helps scientists study climate change through the data provided by participants. There are benefits to Project Budburst. One benefit is college students have the opportunity to “practice scientific inquiry, do authentic research, reflect on efficacy, and contribute to a larger research project that has global implications” (Johnson 115). Another benefit is it helps “scientists predict and manage environmental problems such as the spread of diseases, wildfire risk, invasive species, migration problems, and other conditions that affect the environment” (Johnson 115). The research on plants helps people understand how interspecies relationships are affected by large and small changes to their environment (Johnson 115). The way someone would become involved in Project Budburst is to make an account on Project Budburst website. The Project Budburst website is where someone would put in the data they collected. The first step is to pick a plant for example, a dandelion. Then the person will fill out what plant they picked on the website. During the project, students will be looking at the phenophases of the plant (Johnson 116). Students will see and collect data on the plants first flower, full flower, first fruit, full fruit, and all leaves withered end. In the end, the student will insert the dates into the Project Budburst website. Dandelion is a good flower to do Project Budburst on. They make Project Budburst easier and simpler for younger participants. Dandelions are everywhere which is why it is an excellent plant to follow for beginners. They are everywhere, easy to find, and only have one species so they won’t be confused with another plant. Another reason dandelions are the best choice for beginners is