As part of the Ecological Monitoring and Management Alliance, the Huyck Preserve established a phenology trail in 2014. Phenology is the timing of plant and animal life cycle events. This includes things such as when plants bud, bloom, drop leaves, and more.

The Phenology trail starts at the Visitors' Center in the center of the hamlet of Rensselaerville and runs a short distance to the Lower Falls, over the bridge, then back to Rt 85 along Ten-Mile Creek. You'll see blue metal tags on the trees, shrubs, and plants we are studying.

You have the chance to participate in research that will help us understand the impact of climate warming on phenology. Citizen scientists walk the trail, noting different life cycle event stages in the marked species on the trail. No expertise is necessary!  We will train you on how to identify the target species and the stages of the annual life cycles. The data will be submitted to the National Phenology Network. 

Volunteer at your own pace and on your own schedule!  Collecting data along the trail takes about 15 - 45 minutes to complete depending on the season and is the perfect excuse to get into the woods for a short walk while contributing valuable data.  

Are you interested in becoming part of the phenology team?  Learn more through the short presentations on this page and contact our Stewardship Coordinator, Garrett Chisholm at [email protected].  

Introductory Presentation

Volunteer Guide