We've rolled out new species for observing in 2026, including beaver and muskrat, Japanese beetle, and dozens of new wildflower and shrub species. You also may have noticed a few changes to protocols, including a name change for the phenophase "Increasing Leaf Size", the removal of the intensity question for that phenophase, and an update to the seed cones phenophases for conifers to make it more consistent with how fruiting is reported in flowering plants.

Learn more about what changed »

We appreciate your patience as we are putting the finishing touches on the new Nature's Notebook app! Our priority now is testing, testing, testing to make sure the app is working as it should.

You will be hearing more from us soon, but in the meantime check out this page for updates on the timeline and what's changing. As we get closer to launch we will update this page with additional support materials including how-to documents, videos, and more.

Learn more »

Global temperatures are increasing and the impacts are numerous and wide ranging. Temperatures have been rising at particularly fast rates in the northeastern U.S., including many densely populated areas like New Jersey. To document environmental changes and better understand the impacts of climate change in this region since the mid-1960s, researchers gathered data on sea and air temperatures, lake ice, and snowfall. They complimented these environmental data with Nature's Notebook observations of spring leaf-out and flowering in local lilac plants.

The researchers found clear evidence of climate change, with notable increases in both daytime and nighttime temperatures and earlier spring plant activity. These changes will have numerous economic, social, and ecological impacts. Among other effects, earlier spring onset has the potential to alter plant-pollinator interactions and the length of the pollen and growing seasons. 

Read the Publication Summary » 

Jackie and Shadow, a famous pair of bald eagles, welcomed two new eglets a few weeks ago! The pair nests 145 feet up in a Jeffery Pine tree in Big Bear Valley, California. Check out the 24 hour nest live stream to watch the chicks grow up!

See the live nest cam »

Signs of spring look different across the country. In DC, the blooming of cherry blossoms is an iconic marker of spring. Check out this short podcast on the art and science of predicting cherry blossom timing!


Listen »

Join the Nature's Notebook Nest - bring your questions and observations and chat with USA-NPN staff, fellow observers, and Local Phenology Leaders! These are standing monthly meetings on the first Monday of the month at 12pm PT / 3pm ET. Mark your calendars, next Nest is May 4th!

Sign up for reminders about the Nest »

Earth Day is a chance to connect with and appreciate the natural world around us. As a Nature's Notebook observer, you're already an expert! This free Earth Day guide, provided by The Nature Conservancy, suggests other fun ways to engage with nature.

Access the free activity guide »

Caterpillars Count is a volunteer science program that aims to better understand insect declines (and hence bird declines), shifts in seasonal insect activity, impacts of climate change and urbanization, and the importance of insect-host plant relationships. You can learn more about this program via training videos and upcoming webinars. They also have lesson plans and learning activities.

Learn more »