BELGRADE — Volunteers of all ages are invited to become citizen scientists through Signs of the Seasons trainings offered across the state, including one from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 29, at Maine Lakes Resource Center.

The program is a six-year-old University of Maine Cooperative Extension and Maine Sea Grant that studies common signs of spring such as lilacs blooming, dandelions covering fields, and birds of all sizes and colors returning to Maine. These common signs of spring are just a few indicators of a much larger cycle of seasonal changes that affect the plants, animals and humans of Maine. The study of these seasonal changes is called phenology, and it can help the illuminate the local effects of global climate change.

New this year, a subset of trainings will focus on observing loons in partnership with Maine Audubon. Participants can learn how to identify and record changes in plants and animals found in their own backyards, schoolyards and other favorite outdoor locations. Data collected will be contributed to an online database hosted by the National Phenology Network.

For more information and to register for a training, visit umaine.edu/signs-of-the-seasons/ or contact Esperanza Stancioff at [email protected] or 832-0343.

Training is free, though registration is required.