Climate Clock: Exploring the Timing of Aspen Tree Senescence in Northern Colorado
Category: Research Poster
Author(s): Louisa Beckett, Mason Whitney
Presenter(s): Louisa Beckett
Mentors(s): Sarah Hart
Climate change is altering the timing of key biological events like tree senescence, which disrupts ecosystems. While much is known about phenology, few studies examine how these patterns vary across different locations, particularly in quaking aspen trees (Populus tremuloides). This research compares aspen phenology in Longmont and Fort Collins, Colorado, to understand how localized climate factors influence tree behavior. Data were collected through weekly phenological observations at 20 sites using the BudBurst app to track leaf color change and drop, along with historical weather data including temperature, precipitation, and frost dates. Data analysis revealed that Fort Collins experienced earlier leaf senescence than Longmont, with significant differences in the timing of 50% leaf drop, but no differences in leaf color change or complete leaf drop. While precipitation remained quite similar, temperature and frost dates differed slightly more between the cities, with Fort Collins having cooler temperatures and earlier frost dates. This study highlights the influence of regional climate differences on tree phenology and emphasizes the importance of considering local climate factors in conservation strategies, particularly with climate change becoming a more prominent threat. Further research is needed to explore how these patterns may evolve in other areas.