The Dublin city of science project is running a host of interesting items this year. One that interests me is the March talk at the Botanic gardens, which will focus on how we detect change in plants and animals due to climate change. It’s being organized by the Environment Protection Agency and the National Biodiversity Center.

Of particular interest is a plan to involve families in data collection at the Botanic gardens by running a longitudinal leaf-watch project. This family phenology (study of life cycles) trail, will allow the public to study leaf colour change in trees, timing of bud/flower appearance, and butterfly flight.

This is interesting because it is part of a wider social movement, which aims to change the public from being passive consumers of climate change data, to engaged green activists and producers of valuable scientific data.

Separately Irish Fresh Water Biologists will be meeting on March 2nd to discuss a host of topics such as ecological tools for monitoring lakes, the impact of forestry on stream health, and mapping Ireland’s biodiversity . Well worth a look if you can find the time.