Minnesota's Top 7 Species to Follow

I'm just back from an outstanding conference on Minnesota phenology and I'm supercharged with new observations, friends, and knowledge. Percolating to the top of this enthusiasm is news of an initiative by the Minnesota Phenology Network to select the following "Top 7" species to track:

• Red Maple
• Common Loon
• Tamarack
• Eastern Bluebird
• Ruby-throated Hummingbird
• Lilac
• Monarch

Read more here http://phenology.cfans.umn.edu/speciestofollow/index.htm. Then learn exactly what to watch for by following the links which take you to detailed information at the National Phenology Network.

This exciting initiative not only focuses our observations, but does so strategically by choosing species that are easy to identify and iconic of Minnesota. I'm particularly excited about the Tamarack (Larix laricina) and Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) since I pass these every day on my walk to work. Also, one can routinely observe hummingbirds and Monarch Butterflies in the Sculpture Garden's arbor.