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.

September 2008 Mouse-over the photo for the identities of the three subjects blazing star, calico penant, evening primrose

Date	Observation (Click on links for photos)
Sep 30	Green Bay received a total of 1.89 inches of rain in September, compared to the average of 3.11 inches. In August we had only 0.59 inches compared to an average of 3.77 inches. And we had very little rain in the second half of July (0.31 inches after July 16). That is a long dry period with a total of about 2.79 inches of rain in 2.5 months.
Sep 28	Only a trace of rain in the last 15 days in Green Bay.
Sep 22	The Emerald Ash Borer insect has been discovered in Sault Ste. Marie in southern Onatario, quite distant from the main infestations in Michigan. This insect was first reported in Wisconsin earlier this summer (see Aug 4) and is likely to kill many of our ash trees.
Sep 17	Rhus typhina (staghorn sumac) is developing fall colors rapidly on the UW-Green Bay campus.
Sep 16	Many ant mating swarms all over the city...clouds of ants, and numerous winged ants all over cars and sidwalks. Ants of several species seem to coordinate their mating flights on a particular day in late summer, usually after rainfall. In most years, the "ant day" seems to happen in August, but since there was little rain in August this year, it happened a bit late, Green Bay and surroundings (Mike Draney).
Sep 03	It occurs to me that the numbers of the pesky "Multicolored Asian Lady Beetles" are very low now.
Sep 02	After the driest August in over 100 years, Green Bay continues with dry and hot weather. The height temperature today of 90° F equals the highest temperture for the summer, set on August 18. We have now received a total 0.60 inches of rain in the last 43 days.