Climate changing US landscapes

NOAA: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the American Public Gardens Association (APGA) today announced an innovative pilot project at Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pa., that links NOAA’s internationally recognized climate services and APGA’s public gardens, which receive more than 70 million visitors a year. This marks the beginning of a new partnership focused on educating gardeners and garden enthusiasts about the possible effects of climate change on America’s gardens, landscapes and green spaces.

“Climate change is happening now, and it’s beginning to affect the things we care about, such as our treasured gardens, parks and natural landscapes,” said Jane Lubchenco, Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “This new partnership provides a special opportunity for NOAA to connect with gardeners and communities across the nation to help everyone better understand what changes in local climate mean for the plants, trees and landscaped areas around them.”

Using NOAA climate data, the project exhibits maps showing how changes in average annual minimum temperatures affect climate-related planting zones. This information can help gardeners, landscapers and farmers identify which plant species will best survive in certain conditions. The exhibit is augmented by a cell-phone recording that explains what the changing planting zones mean for local plants in Longwood Gardens, as well as for area gardeners.

“Millions of Americans visit public gardens annually as a place to relax and learn. America’s public gardens are starting to notice changes in temperature and precipitation patterns, earlier bloom or leaf-budding times, or that some plant species are able to grow in different areas,” said Daniel J. Stark, executive director of APGA. “Our partnership with NOAA allows us to better understand how some of those impacts are linked to climate change. It is clear we need to understand more about the effects of climate change so that we can educate the public about the impacts these changes will have, and share best practices on mitigating the effects. To do our best job as a trusted resource for the public, we need the best available information on current and future impacts so we can begin addressing these challenges now.”...