Discussion Questions for the Conference

Q Matrix of Issues

Funding Sources

Data Collection Data Analysis Ecosystem Scope Research Questions

(see below)

a. Existing data Data Mining a. Managed

Knowledge Discovery 1. Crops

b. Collection Network 2. Pests

1. What Visualisation b. Unmanaged

2. How GIS 1. Migrations

(Web Tools) 2. Wildlife

c. Data Formats Education

1. Standardization a. Ourselves (researchers)

b. Policy Makers

d. Ancillary Data c. College and university faculty and students

1. Precision d. K-12 teachers and students

2. Accuracy

Possible Research Questions

Can we use phenological data to address (quantify, predict) issues of climate change? Can a relationship between phenology and climate change be substantiated? How many years of data and what is the quality of data needed to answer the above questions?

What phenological measurements should be taken that would greatly improve our data sets and potential data analysis? Can spring sown crop data be used or must we use information from only fall sown crops and perennials?

Can we develop (validate) better management strategies for the managed ecosystems using phenology? Are there signals between the unmanaged ecosystems (e.g. migratory bird patterns) and the managed ecosystems (planting date, etc.) that can be used to enhance ecosystem management? What would be the economic impact or environmental impact of having this improved knowledge?

How can advances in computer science, data mining, and spatial data be used to tie together our phenological data to climate change and climate variation?

What can be learned about the relationship between temperature and photo period effects? (Different cultivars differ in the role of temperature vs. photo period.)?

How should we educate others and ourselves? Are there web-based tools/games that would be useful for better public understanding of the issues of phenology and climate variation?

How can the outcomes be framed to avoid ideological differences and focus on scientific discussions?

How can our group augment, supplement, collaborate with the ongoing national efforts in phenology?

If we wanted to create a signature program in phenology at the University of Nebraska, what would it be and how would we approach funding?