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The world’s largest citizen science project focused on pollinator conservation.
Over the past few years, scientific studies have suggested that both honey bee and native bee populations are in trouble. What scientists had not studied on a large scale was how the wild bees were doing and what effect that has on pollination of garden plants, crops and wild plants. In 2008, we started this project as a way to gather information about our urban, suburban and rural bee populations and to empower people to learn about what was happening with the bees in their back yard. We enlisted people all over the world to observe their bees on Lemon Queen sunflowers. Sunflowers are relatively easy to grow and a great resource for bees. Since 2008, we have expanded the list of plants studied to include Bee balm, Cosmos, Rosemary, Tickseed, Goldenrod and Purple coneflower.
You can participate by getting annual Lemon Queen sunflower seeds at your local store or through Renee. The instructions are here. Do join us!
We would love to have you join us; let’s help our most important pollinators together!
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The BUZZ: Celebrating Bees!
Wed, 11/16/2011 - 18:17 — Freddy BAs we head into a season of celebration, it’s important to remember that every third bite of food we consume during the holiday season is the result of a hard-working pollinator. We think that during these festive times, it’s great to take opportunities to learn about bees and the work they do, and to pass this information on to others.
The BUZZ: Head-turners!
Thu, 09/08/2011 - 23:33 — Freddy BFinally our sunflowers bloomed here in foggy Northern California. Tight green buds guarded by row after row of pennant-shaped leaves gave way to full-flowered glory. Some flowers have already faded away and are now growing fat with seeds in the summer sun. Sunflowers didn’t come by their name by accident. They literally follow the sun with their broad round heads. Their buds and leaves, in their natural position, are oriented toward the East so they can catch the first rays of dawn.
The BUZZ: The Return of the Great Bee Count and Freeloading Bees!
Fri, 08/12/2011 - 22:09 — Freddy BI would bet that all across the country, sunflowers have now finally bloomed. I know ours have here along the foggy Northern California coast, and even those in the Pacific Northwest have opened. We are hoping that both you and the bees in your area take advantage of these beautiful blooms and join us for the Return of the Great Bee Count on August 20th . Of course, you can make your observations anytime, as often as you can, but if you haven’t yet participated this summer, mark your calendars for August 20th now.
The BUZZ: Thanks For All Your Help!
Fri, 07/29/2011 - 16:52 — Freddy BThanks to your help, the Great Bee Count and Bee-a-thon on July 16th were a resounding success. Throughout the day, Great Sunflower Project participants all over the country took time to make a 15-minute observation. Meanwhile, hundreds tuned in to the worldwide online webcast to learn the latest information about bee conservation.
The BUZZ: Join Us for the Great Bee Count and Bee-a-Thon July 16th!
Fri, 07/08/2011 - 21:20 — Freddy BGreetings citizen scientists!
Summer is now in full swing and gardens are buzzing with activity. Your sunflowers have survived birds and slugs, unseasonal rain and dry spells. Some of you have sunflowers in bloom and are diligently sending in your observations. Congratulations to all those who have already had the opportunity to observe, collect and report their data. Well done! Check out our “Leader Board” on the homepage of the Great Sunflower Project website. (www.greatsunflower.org) to see our top data collectors. We’ll update this each week, so keep up the great work.
The BUZZ: Mark Your Calendars for the Great Bee Count on July 16th!
Sat, 05/07/2011 - 15:28 — Freddy BGreetings citizen scientists! I know that some of you who live in warmer climates are already sending in your 15 minute observations and others will be doing so throughout the year.
This year, however, we would like everyone - even those of you who haven’t sent in observations – to make the effort to join the Great Bee Count of 2011 on July 16th. The best way to sample is to sample every other week but if you only count bees once this year, make it on July 16.
The Great Sunflower Project Celebrates Earth Day 2011
Mon, 04/11/2011 - 02:32 — Freddy BApril 22 has long held a special meaning for many of us. More than 40 years ago, a senator from Wisconsin, shaken by witnessing a tragic oil spill off the Pacific Coast and outraged by the lack of concern for such events in Washington, organized a 70’s –style “teach-in and celebration” to raise awareness of environmental issues and to engage the public in concern and action around preserving the Earth. That action gave birth to the first Earth Day in 1970. Last year, what was once a grassroots effort was observed by 500 million people in 175 countries worldwide.
The BUZZ: Creating a Bee-Friendly World
Tue, 03/08/2011 - 21:34 — Freddy BCreating an environment that provides shelter and food for pollinators is one of the most rewarding of garden activities. You can do it anywhere – city rooftops, school gardens, a sidewalk strip or your own back yard. For very little effort, you can create beautiful and critical habitat for native bees and abundant forage for honey bees.
Important Milestones Thanks to You.
Fri, 12/17/2010 - 05:19 — Gretchen LebuhnDear Great Sunflower Project member,
Thanks to your help, The Great Sunflower Project reached some important milestones this year.
- We now have over 90,000 members and are looking forward to having 100,000th member join us this spring.
- We produced and posted on the website our first map of results and shared our first findings in our newsletter.
- We hired an outreach director and are developing new outreach materials for both kids and adults.
Reminder:Last Chance to order calendar for certain arrival before Christmas
Tue, 11/30/2010 - 17:43 — Gretchen LebuhnJust want to remind everyone that we're sending in the orders now to ship calendars for Christmas. We'll continue to send them out after this but can't be certain they'll get their in time for Christmas.
Do order one! The funds go to updating the website and paying for Fred to do outreach.
You can find it at http://www.greatsunflower.org/product/2011calendar
Best,
Gretchen
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| Great Sunflower Project Insert 2011.pdf | 215.14 KB |