The Backyard Bee Count
The world’s largest citizen science project focused on pollinator conservation.
What We Do
People all over the country are collecting data on pollinators in their yards, gardens, schools and parks. Together, we take counts of the number and types of pollinators visiting plants (especially sunflowers). We have been gathering information on pollinator service since 2008, and now have the largest single body of information about bee pollinator service in North America. Thanks to our thousands of observers, we can determine where pollinator service is strong or weak compared to averages.
Our map of pollinator service across the United States!
Why It's Important
Over the past few years, scientific studies have suggested that both honey bee and native bee populations are in trouble. What we don't know is how this is affecting pollination of our gardens, crops and wild lands. In 2008, we started this project as a way to gather information about our urban, suburban and rural bee populations and to give you the tools to learn about what is happening with the pollinators in your yard.
How You Can Help
You can participate by growing some pollinator friendly plants in your yard and then recording how many pollinators vist them. In 2013, we will start accepting pollinator counts from any species of plant and will not just focus on bees. Start thinking now about what you'd like to do in your green spaces! We suggest planting: Sunflowers (preferably, Lemon Queen), Bee balm, Cosmos, Tickseed, Phacelia or Purple coneflower.
We would love to have you join us; let’s help our most important pollinators together!
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