Forests are changing as the climate warms, and one important way we see this is through shifts in the timing of leaf-out and growth. These seasonal changes affect not just individual trees, but whole ecosystems—impacting biodiversity, carbon storage, and the forest economy. Many people assume that longer leafing seasons mean more tree growth, but there’s little evidence to confirm this. Understanding this relationship is crucial for adapting forest management to a changing climate.

To tackle this, we launched the Acadian Phenocam Network in 2024. This new monitoring system spans 24 sites across eastern Canada and focuses on 12 native tree species. At each site, we use time-lapse cameras, tree growth sensors, and weather instruments to closely track when trees leaf out, show fall colours, and how much they grow. We're especially interested in how lesser-known factors—like sunlight and soil moisture—affect tree growth and leaf cycles.

Working with forestry professionals and scientists from multiple fields, our goal is to improve models that predict forest responses to climate change and identify which tree species are most vulnerable or resilient. Ultimately, our research will help guide climate-smart forest policies and contribute to long-term ecosystem monitoring and sustainability.