Things happen fast in spring. One day, the woodlands appear brown and bare. Then, in a blink of an eye, everything is green with activity occurring all around us. It’s during this brief transition period that spring wildflowers really put on a show.

April is spring wildflower month here at the Lower Lake Erie Region CSI. Have a favorite spot for viewing spring wildflowers? Even if you’ve posted observations from a locality in the past, documenting the timing of wildflower emergence from year to year provides valuable data for conservation biologists. The study of phenology helps us understand the influence of climate change and other factors on the natural community. This is where citizen science really shines. By documenting the things we encounter every day, we can provide a trove of information that makes a real difference.

What’s your favorite spring wildflower? Trout lily? Bloodroot? Spring beauty? Trillium? Let us know in the comment section below!