DECEMBER 13, 2000
INTERACTIVE CALENDAR PROVIDES
CONNECTION TO NATURE

Do you make a mental note each year when the first snow falls? Do you scan the skies for migrating birds each spring and fall, or keep tabs on when to plant those first garden seedlings?

If so, you’re practicing phenology, the study of how animals and plants react to climatic and seasonal changes happening in the surrounding environment. The spring’s first robin, turtles laying eggs, or the first buds on the aspens may be typical entries in a phenologist’s notebook.

Novice and veteran phenologists alike will find a treasure trove of seasonal information in the Cable Natural History Museum’s 2001 Phenology Calendar.

To some, close observation of natural change is a stimulating and educational hobby in and of itself. To others, seasonal knowledge contributes to the success of gardening, hunting or angling activity. Nature photographers develop a keen awareness for seasonal change, as do wilderness travelers who want to avoid black flies or see mountain wildflowers.

Because of our sharply defined seasons, northern Wisconsin is an ideal place to practice phenology. Regular and drastic changes in temperature and weather produce distinct periods of biological activity and dormancy in the region’s plants and animals.

For the past five years, the Cable Natural History Museum has published a calendar that’s filled with thousands of weather- and seasonal-related observations from around northwest Wisconsin. The calendar includes data like the record daily high and low temperatures at various locations in the region, the cycles of the moon, and daily times of sunrise and sunset.

The Museum has also collected observations from regional phenologists — events like the first snowfall, first mosquito bite, first robin, and first thunderstorm of the year. Accompanying each month’s calendar of dates are such lists of phenological events reported from around northwest Wisconsin over the past years, including events particular to our region, such as the first and last day the Madeline Island ferries run, ice-out on Chequamegon Bay and various inland lakes, and other notable occurrences.

These lists make it easy to compare this year’s daily observations in relation to those same events from past years. The Museum’s calendar contains an observation form for users to fill out and send in for use in subsequent calendars. Each calendar also includes a packet of Black-Eyed Susan (Rudbeckia hirta) seeds and planting instructions.

North woods phenologists Richard and Johanna Mihalek live west of Washburn, and regularly contribute their seasonal observations to the Museum’s calendar. They also submit their weekly bird observations to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

"We both enjoy wildlife and look forward to seeing new things each season," Johanna said. "Practicing phenology gets you outside and looking a little more closely at what’s around you."

Phenology Calendars are now available from the Cable Natural History Museum and through some area businesses. The calendars cost $12.95 plus $3.00 shipping for the first calendar and $1.50 each for additional calendars to the same address. Send orders to the Cable Natural History Museum, P.O. Box 416, Cable, WI 54821 or call the Museum at (715) 798-3890 or visit the Museum web site at www.cablemuseum.org to learn more.