Has Spring Sprung Too Early?
Aah, Spring. It’s in the air! Its bursting forth from the soil! Its buds are shooting from plant stems and tree branches! Its hailing the end of winter with a profusion of fragrance and color! Nothing makes you feel more healthy and alive than springtime, does it? I’ve noticed a change in my chiropractic patients when they come into my clinic. They are happier, more energetic, and more-than-ready to join the great outdoors once again. Spring lifts the spirits more than any other season. Could there possibly be a downside to its appearance? Unfortunately, according to Project BudBurst, a nationwide citizen science effort in its fourth year of research, it’s happening way too soon. Why the big deal? Who among us wouldn’t wish winter away as quickly as possible? Unfortunately, the early appearance of key plants, like common lilac, red maples, Virginia bluebells, and other popular ornamental plants, is a sign of warming trends here in the USA.
The data has been compared to a 50-year record (1950s through 1994) of when plants bloom and leaves bud in the Chicago area. The information is contained in the book,”Plants of the Chicago Region” and according to Kayri Havens of the Chicago Botanic Garden, data from 15 species of plants have been cross-checked between Project BudBurst and the book. Pictures and descriptions of the plants can be found at the Project BudBurst website. And, you can participate in the research. All the instructions are available on the project website . Head to the website today, Earth Day, and sign up to help identify the “too-early springers.” The more we know, the more participate, the more we can do to help Planet Earth.
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