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The LEO Network is a worldwide network of observers and experts that share their observations of environmental change.
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Observations

Early arrival of Swans
In Chistochina, Alaska, two swans were observed arriving unusually early, flying close to a house, highlighting a pattern of early swan arrivals in the region.
Chistochina, Alaska, United States

Shortening ice season on Chistochina River
"The river was iced over for less then 6 weeks! As opposed to 5 months of ice 2 to 3 feet thick before climate change."
Chistochina, Alaska, United States
Wilson Justin, Robert Busey, Crane Johnson

Chistochina River darker then usual
"Now I have seen the current muddy at break up but usually after prolonged warming and winds. This one is about a month ahead of the game."
Chistochina, Alaska, United States
Richard L Thoman Jr, Katie Spellman, Wilson Justin, Crane Johnson

Fall Observations from Chistochina
"Been a cool dry fall. The snow line hit twice in late August and once in September at the 4000 foot level. We saw 22 degrees several times in September and twice in August so general frost is in town. But no ice on shore lines so the rivers and lakes are staying warm even as the chill sets in"

Willows Starting to Bud
Early budding willows (genus *Salix*) were observed on the Chistochina Trail during temperatures of 18 above Fahrenheit. The average temperature on March 23, 2021 was 10 degrees Fahrenheit, the coldest temperature on the day in the past twenty years.
Jimmy Evak, Wilson Justin, Katie Spellman

December temperatures finally arrive in February
"The Chistochina River froze over and went to overflow by the second of February which means we went through the New Year and January with the river running open. First time that I know of."
Wilson Justin, Chris Arp, Katie Spellman

Waiting on a North Wind
The winds have been unusual this fall. Usually a north wind is "part and parcel of the turn of the season" but so far the wind has been "sporadic without a sense of direction."

Not much for berries or fireweed
"In a summer of continuous rainfall I would presume glorious growth and tons of picking...but this did not happen. The blueberries never took off, neither did the soap berries known to us as bear berries."

Big year for some biting insects, but not mosquitoes
Mosquito populations may be down, but the gnats, no-see-ums, white sox and several other unidentified bugs were relentless.

Abundant Aphids and Defoliator Attack
Forests around Gakona saw abundant aphids and defoliation from sawflies or caterpillars.

Budding Willow Branches (genus Salix)
Willows are budding early, following temperature swings of 40 to approximately -32 degrees Fahrenheit between February and March.

Late Budding Alder Tree (genus Alnus)
Late budding alder tree.

Early Bees and Butterflies
The sun when direct was intense, definitely not April and not May...more like the month of June.

Spruce Rust (Chrysomyxa ledicola) Appearing on Spruce Trees (Picea mariana)
The spruce along the highway between mile 157 and 162 show signs of stress, the tips of the branches are orangish and the deep green of the trees are fading.
Slana, Alaska, United States

Lots of bees!
More bees seen enjoying sweet clover thus year than in recent years.

Growth on Rose Bush (Rosa acicularis)
Reddish growth on rosehip leaves
Gakona, Alaska, United States

Plant Health and Condition
The leaves, in general, don't look too healthy. They seem to lack vitality and are shriveled in many places.
Gino Graziano, Jessie Moan, Wilson Justin

Lake Drying
Decades have passed and ponds are drying up.

Bumble Bees Are Still Out
Bumblebees (bombus polaris), moths, butterflies, mosquitoes (Culicidae) and gnats (Nematocera) are still here.
Slana, Alaska, United States

Changing Habits/Habitat of Dall Sheep (Ovis dalli)
Land Mammal

50°F in March!
Unseasonably warm in Chistochina.

Willows (Salix scouleriana) Budding Along Chistochina River
Pussy willows (Salix scouleriana) - a sign of spring in Interior Alaska.

Common Murre (Uria aalge) Stranding
Wayward Murre

Algae Bloom
Appears to be smothering all aquatic plant life.
Gakona, Alaska, United States

Insect Die-off
5.21-15 Insect die-off - Chistochina, Alaska, USA
Chistochina, Alaska, USA

Mountain Snow and Ice Declining
Mount Sanford has been losing its ice cover for decades around its base.
Gakona, Alaska, United States

Non-stinging Wasp (Cynipoidea) Larva
Non-sting wasp (cynipoidea) larva
Slana, Alaska, United States

Windfall trees an obstacle
Wind fall trees an obstacle

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