Phenology is the study of cyclic and seasonal natural events, most often focusing on how these respond to climate change. The plant phenology survey at CPBS project began in 2007 and has been consistently performed every month since 2013. Performed within the first 10 days of each month, the survey is designed to collect data on the tree species in the CPBS area. Our goal is to gain a better understanding of these tree species by identifying phenophases and comparing phenophase patterns across different habitats (forest and canal) for each species.

The survey takes place in two transects: one in the forest and along the canal. 160 trees are labeled along each transect and are inspected during every survey. Surveyors examine each marked tree to determine the phenophase the tree is experiencing (fruiting, flowering, producing new leaves, or dropping leaves), as well as what percentage of the tree is in that phase. Trees can experience more than one phenophase at a time. By building our long-term database of plant phenology around CPBS, we are better able to identify natural patterns as well as the potential impacts of climate change.