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Time to Restore: Developing Tools for Climate-Smart Restoration

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By Climate Adaptation Science Centers December 31, 2022

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Climate projections for the South-Central U.S. indicate increases of 2-5°F in average high temperatures by mid-century, declines of up to 4% in average precipitation, and increases in heatwaves and large rainfall events. This changing, more unpredictable climate makes it difficult to decide which species to plant when, or to know when certain species will bloom and go to seed. A refuge manager might ask: what species should be included in restoration plantings to ensure pollinators will have nectar ten years from now? Or a tribal member might wonder: when is the most effective time to visit prairie remnants to collect culturally significant plant seeds to grow for a restoration project?  

The Time to Restore project seeks to help those undertaking ecological restoration make informed planting decisions that take these future climate changes into account, particularly regarding the timing of seasonal activity of plants and animals. 

The project team will build a long-term dataset on flowering and seed timing for important species; explore how temperature, precipitation, and other factors impact flowering and seed timing; and create guidance to help others understand when to expect flowering and seed timing in their area and how this timing may change in the future. 

Climate projections for the South-Central U.S. indicate increases of 2-5°F in average high temperatures by mid-century, declines of up to 4% in average precipitation, and increases in heatwaves and large rainfall events. This changing, more unpredictable climate makes it difficult to decide which species to plant when, or to know when certain species will bloom and go to seed. A refuge manager might ask: what species should be included in restoration plantings to ensure pollinators will have nectar ten years from now? Or a tribal member might wonder: when is the most effective time to visit prairie remnants to collect culturally significant plant seeds to grow for a restoration project?  

The Time to Restore project seeks to help those undertaking ecological restoration make informed planting decisions that take these future climate changes into account, particularly regarding the timing of seasonal activity of plants and animals. 

The project team will build a long-term dataset on flowering and seed timing for important species; explore how temperature, precipitation, and other factors impact flowering and seed timing; and create guidance to help others understand when to expect flowering and seed timing in their area and how this timing may change in the future.