Community Science Volunteers – BudBurst Training

Are you interested in learning about community science at Hoyt Arboretum? Join Hoyt Arboretum’s plant taxonomist and herbarium curator Mandy Tu for an online Zoom training on Wednesday, February 15 from 10 to 11am to learn about how you can get involved with BudBurst, a nationwide, community science-driven effort to study the impact of climate change on plants. Volunteers monitor the timing of specific events in a plant’s life cycle (full bloom, fruiting, leaf fall, etc.), record their observations, and then share their data with BudBurst.

At this training, volunteers will learn about plant structures and phenology as well as how scientists are using the data collected by BudBurst community scientists. You’ll also learn about the specific plant species we’re studying at Hoyt Arboretum and how to record plant cycle observations. Individuals can participate in BudBurst independently but are encouraged to visit Hoyt Arboretum at least every other week during the growing season (approximately March through November) to make and record observations.

BudBurst is a great opportunity for individuals interested in community science and volunteering outdoors with a flexible schedule. Volunteers will need Internet access on a personal device (smartphone, tablet, computer) to record their observations online at budburst.org or on the BudBurst app.

This online training will be recorded, and the video will be shared with individuals who are not available during the live session. Please register here even if you are not available to attend live on February 15.

Questions? Please contact Becky at volunteer@hoytarboretum.org or (503) 823-1649.