Tracking Bees with the Great Sunflower Project: Become a Backyard Scientist!
Pollinators, particularly bees, play a vital role in the ecosystem by ensuring the reproduction of flowering plants, including many of the fruits and vegetables we eat. However, with declining bee populations, researchers are looking for ways to track and study their movements, behavior, and population trends. That’s where you come in! The Great Sunflower Project, run by the Department of Biology at San Francisco State University, is inviting gardeners, nature lovers, and citizen scientists to help track pollinators by observing bees in their own backyards.
How You Can Help Protect Pollinators
By participating in this bee tracking project, you can contribute to vital research on native bee populations and the health of pollinators in your area. This project isn’t just for professional scientists—it’s designed for gardeners, hobbyists, and nature lovers who want to make a difference.
What You Need to Get Started
- Sunflowers (or other bee-friendly flowers)
- A comfortable place to sit
- A data sheet (provided by the project)
- A pen or pencil
- A watch or timer
- A thermometer (to record temperature after observation)
- (Optional) A camera to capture photos of visiting bees
Five Simple Steps to Tracking Bees
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Set Up Your Observation Spot
Find a comfortable seat near your sunflowers (or other blooming flowers). If you’re feeling fancy, grab a cup of coffee or tea to enjoy while you observe. -
Count the Number of Blooming Flowers
Look at your garden and count how many sunflowers are currently in bloom. Don’t count older flowers that no longer have pollen or nectar—you can check by touching the center of the flower to see if any pollen sticks to your finger. -
Record Your Starting Time
Write down the exact time you begin your observation session. For example, if you start at 10:00 AM, mark it on your data sheet. -
Observe & Record Bee Activity
Each time a bee lands on your sunflower, note its arrival time on your sheet. Keep watching until you see five bees or 30 minutes have passed—whichever comes first. -
Submit Your Data
Once you’ve gathered your observations, head over to www.GreatSunflower.org, sign up, and submit your findings. Your contributions help researchers understand pollinator health and trends across different regions.
Why Tracking Pollinators Matters
Bees are essential pollinators for both wild plants and agricultural crops, but their populations are declining due to habitat loss, pesticide exposure, climate change, and disease. By participating in citizen science projects like this one, you are helping to:
- Monitor bee populations in different regions.
- Identify trends in pollinator activity and potential threats.
- Support conservation efforts for native and honeybee populations.
- Encourage gardeners to plant pollinator-friendly plants to improve local ecosystems.
How to Make Your Garden More Pollinator-Friendly
If you want to attract more bees to your garden, consider planting a variety of bee-friendly flowers that bloom throughout the seasons. Here are some top choices:
- Sunflowers (Helianthus spp.)
- Lavender (Lavandula spp.)
- Echinacea (Coneflower)
- Bee Balm (Monarda spp.)
- Milkweed (Asclepias spp.)
- Thyme, Basil, and Other Herbs
Also, avoid using chemical pesticides and opt for organic gardening methods whenever possible to keep your garden bee-friendly and chemical-free.
Final Thoughts
By participating in the Great Sunflower Project, you can help scientists study and protect bees, all while enjoying your garden and contributing to a meaningful cause. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or just love nature, this project is a fantastic way to get involved in pollinator conservation. Visit www.GreatSunflower.org today to sign up, start counting bees, and make a difference for our planet’s pollinators!
