We warmly congratulate the Swiss Phenology Observation Network on reaching 75 years of continuous, invaluable work! Since its founding in 1951 by Bernard Primault of MeteoSwiss, the network has depended on the steadfast commitment of over 700 volunteer observers spread across 160 sites, tracking the seasonal rhythms of 26 native and cultivated plant species—from budding in spring to dormancy in autumn.

Today, the data collected serve as a vital indicator of climate change, revealing trends like earlier springs and later autumns in the vegetation period. At the same time, exciting innovations like SwissPhenoCam, which leverages camera networks and AI, promise to enhance these observations. These innovative tools may help validate satellite data and even aid in pollen monitoring—combining traditional methods with technology to deepen our understanding of plant responses to environmental change.

Read the full article on the website of MeteoSwiss (DE / FR / IT)