Phenology

Observations by Gary Fewless for Green Bay WI (Lat.N 44.51° Long. W 88.02° ), except as noted. For flowers lacking conspicuous petals or sepals I define "anthesis" as release of pollen by mature anthers.

February 2003

Observations by Gary Fewless, except as noted

Date	Observation (Click on links for photos)
Feb 28	The high temperature reached the low 40's (at least 43F) in Green Bay. The water level of Green Bay is down about 0.4 feet (=4.8") in the last month. It is about 0.7 feet (8.4") lower than it was last year at this time. This is the lowest water level for Green Bay since 1964.
Feb 27	A skunk out and about on UWGB campus.
Feb 21	The small streams of meltwater along roadsides are a hint of things to come. Most roads and parking lots in Green Bay are bare of snow, though still wet. There is still plenty of snow elsewhere though. Today's high temperatures are predicted to reach the low 50's in southern Wisconsin, although a return to colder temperatures is predicted for the next few days. Singing Cardinals have been reported throughout the state as far north as Ashland.
Feb 20	Anyone who has lived in Wisconsin for more than a year or two will not be deceived into thinking that spring is here, but today's high temperature of 43F and sunny skies are a nice change from the mid February cold period. On average, the snow in Green Bay is mostly gone on level, open sites in about 2 weeks from this date, and the returning Redwing Blackbirds are not far behind. Warmer weather and heavy use by outdoor enthusiasts have caused the snowmobile and ski trails to deteriorate and many are now closed in southern and central Wisconsin and even in some areas of northern WI. Wisconsin DNR reports good, thick ice on many lakes in the north (2-4 feet of ice!), but as always caution is advised. Striped Skunk roadkill, Spring Green, WI (Andy Paulios).
Feb 18	Today's high temperature of 37F is the highest temperature in Green Bay since Jan 9. An occasional Cardinal song can be heard in Green Bay.
Feb 12	Most of Wisconsin is reporting some snow cover with 7-10 inches common in northern Wisconsin and 22" in the Hurley area. That sounds like good news for winter sports enthusiasts. Wisconsin DNR reported 7 snowmobile fatalities in the last week.
Feb 11	GB's morning low temperature of -9F was the third consectutive day of below zero minimums (-10, -12, -9).
Feb 7	The morning low temperature of -13F was the coldest of this winter to date.
Feb 6	2.8 inches of snow in Green Bay.
Feb 3	Another 2.3 inches of snow in Green Bay.
Feb 2	The Green Bay area received 2.0 inches of snow.
Feb 1	A special hunt begins today in the Baird Creek area of Green Bay to control the number of deer. The deer population is very high in this area, resulting in damage to the natural vegetation as well as to the gardens and horticultural plantings of the local residents.