Urban microclimate & phenology observatories

If you are here because you scanned a QR code on a mysterious object, you have stumbled upon a microclimate sensor of the Helsinki Microclimate Observatory (HELMO) or a vegetation camera of the Helsinki Phenology Observatory (HELPO). Our sensors track the temperature in their surroundings at 15-minute intervals. The mushroom cap, if present, shields the sensors from direct sunlight exposure. The cameras capture daily images of vegetation, documenting seasonal changes (leaf growth and death, color change). Please note, that our equipment is secured by artificial DNA and that we report any theft or removal to the police.
Why is this sensor here?

The device you found belongs to the Helsinki Microclimate Observatory (HELMO), a large network of microclimate sensors maintained by the University of Helsinki's terrestrial ecosystem dynamics research group (Tree-D lab).

Data gathered by the Helsinki Microclimate Observatory will improve our understanding of urban forest climates. We hope that our results will help the City of Helsinki protect critical plant and wildlife habitats.

Sensor locations were chosen based on elevation, vegetation cover, and many other criteria. You can explore the approximate locations of our sensors on our interactive map, or find more information about the project on its website (currently only available in English).
Why is this camera here?

The camera belongs to the Helsinki Phenology Observatory (HELPO), a network of 10 cameras tracking the seasonal change of vegetation (vegetation phenology), maintained by our research group. We collect these images to understand how different urban environments and microclimates influence vegetation phenology. Studying urban phenology is important, as it affects urban ecology, carbon cycling, and cooling. 

Our cameras capture images every day. They are carefully positioned to ensure people are not visible in the images. Concerned that you may have been accidentally captured? Do not worry, images that contain people are deleted.
Which sensor did I find?
A TOMST TMS-4 microclimate sensor unit laying on the ground. A TOMST thermologger unit attached to a tree next to a monument. A SurveyTag microclimate sensor attached to the ground with a custom-made protective hull.
What should I do now?

Please, take a step back (make sure not to bump the sensor or its protective cage if it has one), then feel free to continue your walk and enjoy your day! We kindly ask that you do not touch or move our equipment, as it could mess with our data. 

Got questions? Noticed a sensor or camera looking out of place? Contact us at microclimate.hel@gmail.com. Feel free to visit our project's website, if you are curious to learn more.

Please note, that our equipment is secured by artificial DNA and that we report any theft or removal to the police. If you, your children, or your pets accidentally (re)moved our equipment, please notify us of the time of the incident at microclimate.hel@gmail.com and put the equipment back into its original place. If you cannot find a sensor's original position, we kindly ask you to send it to our contact address as soon as possible.  
Contact

Email: microclimate.hel@gmail.com

Postal:
Tree-D Lab - Department of Geosciences and Geography,
P.O. Box 64 (Gustaf Hällströmin katu 2),
FI-00014 UNIVERSITY OF HELSINKI, FINLAND