Research Spotlight: Leaf Phenology in New England

Decades-long research by Harvard Forest ecologist John O'Keefe has shown that climate change is altering the timing of New England's fall foliage. For over 30 years, O'Keefe has meticulously tracked the development of leaves, recording when they leaf-out in the spring and when their leaves change color each autumn. This phenological data - still being collected as we speak - is showing that warmer temperatures are delaying the peak of autumn colors, lengthening the growing season.

This shift in leaf timing could disrupt ecosystems, affecting species that rely on seasonal cues. O'Keefe’s data has become crucial for understanding how forests respond to climate change, helping other scientists create more accurate models for future climate predictions. His findings highlight the interconnectedness of climate and nature, showing that seemingly minor temperature changes can have widespread effects on plant life.

Now, O'Keefe’s work is carried on by Harvard Forest's Education Coordinator & Field Technician Greta VanScoy, who continues the tradition of monitoring leaf cycles in Harvard Forest. VanScoy’s research will build on the 30 years of collected data, continuing the Forest's broad exploration of the impacts of climate change on forest ecosystems and seasonal patterns.

Read more in Smithsonian Magazine.