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Growing season data from Nature's Notebook inform river floodplain restoration
Mon, Nov 09, 2026
River floodplains provide a number of hydrological and ecological services. They are critical areas for groundwater recharge and frequently support high diversity of plant and animal species. Unfortunately, many of these areas are under threat or have already been impacted by human activities. Restoration efforts will be critical, but their success will depend on knowledge of what healthy and unimpacted floodplains look like and that can vary greatly by region. To provide this vital information, researchers identified floodplains across the continental U.S. to understand how and why floodplain features varied over space. They used summaries of Nature’s Notebook observations in USA-NPN’s Visualization Tool to define the growing season at each site, and then used that information to select appropriate monthly periods for summarizing data on floodplain features. The patterns the researchers identified will help to guide restoration of floodplain areas and support critical ecosystem processes.
Observer Profile: An interview with Tom Kirwan
Mon, Nov 09, 2026
In this Observer Story written by UCLA student Shraddha Guha, we learn about Nature's Notebook observer Tom Kirwan. Tom is a Certified Local Phenology Leader involved with several Local Phenology Programs in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas.
New ADA-compliant Botany Primer
Wed, Oct 14, 2026
We are pleased to share an updated version of our Botany Primer, an in-depth, photo-rich guide to understanding botany for Nature's Notebook. This version of the Botany Primer is compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Rehabilitation Act and can be perceivable and navigable to people with disabilities.