Phenology and Climate Change: It's All About Timing with Clare Walker

The life cycles of native plants and animals are intricately connected such as when a bee emerges from its underground burrow just when the plant flowers. This talk will look at some of these local relationships and how climate change is already changing the timing of seasonal events for many species in the Mid-Atlantic. Plant communities such as our gorgeous displays of spring ephemerals are particularly at risk.

Dr. Clare Walker is a Maryland Master Gardener and Instructor for the Master Naturalist Program. As Program Manager at Irvine Nature Center, Clare leads programs on plants and insects, particularly native bees. She manages the woodland gardens, including monitoring the plants changing phenology. Previous work has included being a naturalist for Maryland State Parks and an environmental educator at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. She is passionate about sharing with all audiences the connections between plants, animals and people.

This presentation was recorded at a meeting of the VNPS Potowmack Chapter on March 10, 2022.