Climate change is poised to alter natural systems, the frequency of extreme weather, and human health and livelihoods. In order to effectively prepare for and respond to these challenges in the north-central region of the U.S., people must have the knowledge and tools to develop plans and adaptation strategies. This project is a continuation of an effort begun in 2013 to build stakeholders’ capacity to respond to climate change in the north-central U.S. During the course of this project, researchers are focusing on two major activities:
 
Tribal Capacity Building: Researchers are providing tribal colleges and universities with mini-grants to develop student projects to document climate-related changes in weather and culturally or traditionally significant plants. Data collected by students will be available for use in climate change impact assessments. The activity will contribute to the expansion of the Indigenous Geography Phenology Network, a locally grounded, national network for documenting the impacts of climate change. Additionally, researchers are collaborating with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the National Conservation Training Center to offer a climate training course in Rapid City, South Dakota, directed at tribal environmental professionals.
 
PhenoCam Analysis: Researchers are providing ongoing technical support to maintain and begin to analyze the data from PhenoCams (streaming cameras) located across the north-central region. Observations collected by the PhenoCams will help scientists track seasonal changes across the region and better understand how climate impacts living things.