Using a Citizen Science Project to Teach About Trees and Increase Awareness About Climate Change and Seasonal Allergies

A warming climate can mean an extension of- or a shift in the duration of the growing season for certain plants and trees. But it is not necessarily the case everywhere or for every tree or plant, as airborne pollen monitoring seems to suggest in Sherbrooke, Qc, Canada. For example, the duration of the ragweed season in Sherbrooke, has not changed over the last 15 years. This underlines the importance of pairing aerobiology with direct phenological observations of the local vegetation.

Unfortunately, few phenological observations are made in in the Eastern Townships of southern Quebec. This is not for lack of interest in nature observations, considering the naturalist clubs that are active in the region and a strong emphasis on ecology in many local schools. This is why a new tree phenology project was set up in collaboration with students from Bishop's University, to increase people's awareness of the impacts of climate change. TreeTraque was created in 2018 but the website was officially launched in 2020. The goal of the program is to teach people about trees, climate change and allergies due to pollen. Outreach activities in local school are planned throughout the coming school year. The project will also be used as an educational activity that respects the government norms for physical distancing and can be done remotely by incoming students in the environment program. Data already gathered will also be used in the GIS courses. This presentation will discuss the successes and challenges encountered in the project so far.