Mountain Watch
Tracking Seasonal Life Cycles along the A.T.
Seasonal life cycles are sensitive to changes in climate. For example, in areas of high elevation or in the northeast where the growth season is limited by cold weather, plants can be rapidly affected by warming temperatures, showing changes in their typical life cycles. These potential changes range from altered flowering patterns to survival and can be indicators of climate change. Because the Appalachian Trail crosses mid- to high-elevation mountains, it provides a unique opportunity to detect climate-driven changes in the seasonal life cycles of sensitive species. Climate change along the Appalachian Trail will likely precede change at lower elevations and can serve as an "early warning" system. The timing of plant flowering and other life cycle events also varies from south to north. When plants are in full flower in the south, flower buds are just beginning to emerge further north. Monitoring the cycles of plant species that can be found along the entire length of the A.T. will also help identify any regional variations in climate change. Join the Mountain Watch program.
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Plants, animals and insects have developed life patterns that allow them to survive and thrive through seasonal weather changes. Seasonal life cycles include plant and tree flowering, the opening of buds, the migration of birds, the hatching of insects, and the falling of leaves. Plants, animals, and insects use the variations in daily hours of sunlight, air temperature, precipitation, and other similar environmental factors to regulate their life cycles.
