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Tree Phenology at the Charlestown Navy Yard

This article contains resources and references that can help you explore the plants of the Charlestown Navy Yard and contribute to the study of phenology in our park!

Phenology is simply the study of the seasons. Seasons can be studied in many ways: when the first frost comes in fall, when insects emerge in spring, when the first summer thunderstorms roll in, and many more. In the Navy Yard we are studying phenology by observing changes in our plants. From first blooms and fresh leaves, to fruits and fall colors, diving into the lives of plants can shed light on many things including climate change and urban heat.

Check out these resources and see the link below to learn more about how to observe plant phenology and become a citizen scientist with the National Parks of Boston. Hope to see you out there!

Tree Phenology Guides

dark green heart-shaped leaves with buds at the end
American Basswood

Learn about the American Basswood.

bright green serrated leaves
American Elm

Learn about the American Elm.

Three-pointed green leaves
Tuliptree

Learn about the Tuliptree, also known as the Tulip Poplar.

scaly leaves that branch out from a single branch
Eastern Red Cedar

Learn about the Eastern Red Cedar.

green paddle-shaped leaves growing out of a central point.
Horse Chestnut

Learn about the Horse Chestnut.

pointed, lobed green leaves sprouting out of a branch
Pin Oak

Learn about the Pin Oak.

branches with oblong ribbed leaves that come to a point.
Black Walnut

Learn about the Black Walnut.

tri-pointed green leaves hanging from a branch.
Red Maple

Learn about the Red Maple.

Resources

To learn more about phenology, visit the USA National Phenology Network.

Learn more about the Charlestown Navy Yard.

Tags

Boston National Historical Park, Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

Last updated: November 30, 2022