FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Q. I was visiting a friends house and noticed that their Lilac was blooming. Would you like me to report this?

A. Absolutely not! Unless you see a plant every day then you can not be assured when it first bloomed. It may have opened up many days ago and if you report the wrong date this will give us the wrong results.

Q. I have an old journal where I used to record the blooming dates of wildflowers are you interested in this information?

A. This kind of historic information is invaluable to us. Observations from the past can be directly compared to the observations we are presently collecting. This allows us to make an assessment on how changes in climate are affecting plant phenology. We need to look at long term trends in order to be accurate with our findings.

Q. I have a Red maple in my yard, it is fairly close to the house, would you still like me to observe when the flowers open?

A. If you observe the same Maple tree in the same way year after year these results become a key source for data. To observe the same tree, shrub or plant year after year give us the best comparison and results!

Q. I can only identify two of the PlantWatch species. Can I still participate in the program?

A. Even one observation is valuable information. We only want you reporting on plants that you are certain of. Use the PlantWatch program as a learning opportunity and familiarise yourself with a new species every year.

Q. I am observing Bearberry at my school and in the woods behind my house. They are pretty close to one another so can I report both plants at the same location?

A. It is very important that each plant you observe has its own unique location. We need to have very specific latitude and longitude values in order to compare the observations. Each location you report from will have different elevation, slope and amount of exposure to sunlight. All of these factors influence bloom time and help in the interpretation of the observation.

Q. I have found a plant that is part of the national suite of 39 but it looks like my province/territory is not asking for reports on it. Do you still want the information?

A. Each provincial and territorial PlantWatch program has chosen species that will give the best information for that region. So some of the 39 species that have been chosen nationally may occur in your area but are not part of the program in your region. Check the website or the PlantWatch guide to see the plants to keep track of in your area.