Background

Illustration of a mobile camper with people inside
We Are A Collective Of
Storytellers, Artists, Ecologists, Educators

Background

Backyard Phenology emerged when scientists, artists, and educators, through sharing stories about the natural world, became curious about the fundamental importance and universal appeal of phenology. Out of these conversations, a collective formed. Scientists shared with artists the methods they use to contribute scientific observations to participatory research (e.g., Minnesota Phenology Network, a regional partner in the USA-National Phenology Network). Likewise, artists shared with scientists how connecting people to phenology can be a creative act. This sharing continues and ripples out into the community through the work of Backyard Phenology.

From its inception, the team saw a need: People need a space in which to share stories of climate change and how it impacts their sense of place. In response, they created the Climate Chaser, a mobile lab and interactive platform that integrates well with community events. Facilitators in the camper serve as hosts, engaging visitors through dialogue, the collection scientific data, and documentation of stories through photos, videos, and audio recordings.

From June 2017 to September 2018, Backyard Phenology partnered with several metro area organizations, engaging community groups in a design process to develop site-specific “phenology walks” that include observation, artistic expression, and reflection.

Academic writing:

  • Flick, Kate. (2021). Building Place-Based Stories About Climate Change Locally: Ecocultural Calendars. Retrieved from the University of Minnesota Digital Conservancy, https://hdl.handle.net/11299/225117.

Press:

Blog posts by Sam Graf: