Amanda Wanlass

Amanda Wanlass, like any true scientist, specializes in asking questions.

Her curiosity of the world led her on an academic quest that resulted in the obtaining of four degrees; two Bachelor of Science degrees (Chemistry, Philosophy) and two master’s degrees (Environmental Science, Public Affairs).

During her master’s program, she served on the founding Board of Bloomington Community Orchard. In addition to witnessing first-hand the power of collaboration to make change, she was captivated by the life cycles of trees and suddenly brimful of questions about them. She wondered when the flowers would bloom, when the fruit would be ripe, when the leaves would change and under what environmental conditions. A dream started to form of a community of citizen scientists diligently documenting when the leaves, flowers and fruits would appear.

It wasn’t until four years later that Amanda stumbled upon the term ‘phenology’ on a Facebook post about the variance in the arrival of spring across the country. Of course, she was once again filled with questions! She joined an observation program and took a 10-week course to become certified as a Local Phenology Leader. Then, with the goal of uniting her community to take small actions for big change, Amanda founded Indiana Phenology in 2018.

Amanda is a mother of five and a member of Indiana Native Plant Society Central Chapter. She also has provided photographic and observational contributions to The Great American Indiana Nature Wildflower and Lepidoptera Projects.

October 2020