Condition Monitoring Star of the Week, January 12th - 18th - Watauga County, NC

 Our Condition Monitoring Star of the Week was posted on January 12th by observer with station number NC-WT-46 in Watauga County, NC. We chose this report because of the variety of information it provides about soil moisture, plants, wildlfe and water levels at their location.  We were most interested in their observation about plant phenology, which is the study of the cycles in nature. Many phenology studies focus on the timing of various phases associated with plant development. In the report below, the observer notes there are buds at the tips of rhododendron branches.  In essence, they are referring to the phenology of the plant.  Observations of plant phenology taken over time can help scientists understand how changes in climate and environmental quality can affect them and what those affects mean for ecosystems and society. Therefore, including this information in your reports have the potential of making them more useful to a wider range of individuals.

The USA National Phenology Network's Nature's Notebook project is another great program that gathers this kind of information. The USA-NPN is a nationwide citizen science program that collects long-term phenology reports from people like you who are interested in the natural environment. This data is then organized and made available to the public for research, education and decision
making.  Check out their website  It's easy to get involved!
 
Thanks for taking condition monitoring to the next level NC-WT-46!  Keep up the good work.


Plants and Wildlife 
Water Supply and Quality

The ground is mostly frozen and it is very muddy wherever it has thawed out. Footing is quite treacherous. There is ample evidence of the resident deer herd from it's frequent and recent trampling in the garden and along the pathways. The creeks are flowing freely with ice buildups along the rocks and the pond is at capacity. Vegetation is dormant with the exception of the conifers. The native rhododendrons also have green leaves and are showing buds at the tips of the branches.