Hiblue-bead lily at different elevationskers like you are needed to make observations along trails on the timing of plant flower and fruit development for inclusion in a long-term study to understand how shifts in climate trends may impact mountain flora.

View our tutorials to learn why AMC is studying mountain plants and climate and walk through our step-by-step instructions on how to identify and monitor plants.

Tutorials:
  1. Background and rationale
  2. Learn more about the science
  3. Step-by-step how to monitor by zone;
Alpine zone
Northern forest zone (Northern New England)
New England/Mid-Atlantic mountain zone
Access monitoring materials to download by clicking on the images below:
Alpine Flower Monitoring                Forest Flowers
AMC will share your monitoring reports with our partners, the National Phenology Network and the Appalachian Trail Mega-Transect Monitoring project, contributing unique mountain data to these larger national and regional studies.  By collecting data from thousands of hikers in the Appalachian Mountains we can further scientific understanding of how global climate change affects the health and vitality of key flora in mountain ecosystems.

Family Fun Zone:
From the yard to the trail: Discover the basics about flowers and fruit! North  /  South
Woodland Flower Checklists: North  /  South
Trail Flowers Matching Game

Learn more about our targeted plants:  

Alpine Species Profiles:

Why should hikers help?

Plants in cold limited ecosystems, such as alpine and other mountain environments, may act as sensitive bioindicators of climate change. Scientists are paying particular attention to alpine and arctic ecosystems around the world. Although alpine areas in the Northeast are rare, they are economically, socially and spiritually a distinct part of the Northeast mountains. AMC scientists will compile these data and produce a web-based database of the observations. As this collection of information grows, it will be analyzed for trends indicating climate change. The information will also be used for public education, to raise media attention, and advocate for appropriate environmental policy to address climate change.  Stay up to date on the latest climate change legislation and how you can make a difference;
Learn more>>










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