The Rhythms of the Natural World  By Paul Belanger

The Bitterroot Phenological Society (BPS) is an informal collaborative effort developed by Paul Belanger and Samantha O'Byrne. As stated on the Facebook Page, the BPS "facilitates positive outdoor experiences, led by local naturalists, in the city Parks and throughout the Bitterroot Valley to build our collective knowledge, understanding and connection to the rhythms of the natural world - its Phenology." 

Phenology is the study of the seasonal timing of life cycle events of organisms in the natural world. These phenological indicators, such as the first flowering Buttercup or the arrival of the first bluebird, "can be thought of as biological timepieces that respond to seasonal variation between years.” These indicators have become an important tool for better assessing the impact of climate change on species, populations, and ecological communities. This is not a new addition to the scientists’ toolbox. Farmers, ranchers, gardeners, birders, nature lovers, hunters, and indigenous peoples have used the timing of events in the natural world as indicators of when to harvest foods, plant, hunt, fish, and more. 

In this presentation, Paul will lead us in exploring how phenology has been applied in the sciences and in particular the study of climate change. We will also explore the various tools we have at our disposal to contribute our observations to the phenological database. And finally, how an organized phenological network in the Bitterroot valley holds the potential to build a deeper collective sense of place around our shared interest in observing and playing in the outdoors.

About Paul: Paul Belanger came to the Bitterroot Valley in 2002 to work for the Montana Audubon Society as a conservation educator. His initial work was focused on engaging the local community in studying the impacts of logging post-fire landscapes on cavity-nesting birds. After ten of the most rewarding years with Montana Audubon, Paul moved on to be the Director of Science, Outdoor, and Adventure programs for Global Travel Alliance, a Montana-based international education travel company. Paul first came to understand the exciting opportunities of phenological studies while studying sense of place education at the Teton Science School and then later through his work alongside ranchers and conservationists in Teton County, MT. Paul and his wife Dulcie raised two wonderful boys in Hamilton. He is an active outdoor enthusiast, international guide, gardener, hunter, and an aspiring birder. 

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