Master Volunteers, a group that includes Master Gardeners, contributed 7434 observations to the Pollinator Citizen Science Project according to the last updated summary on December 21, 2020. Based on data collected in the project so far, the most visited plant by honey bees was Melochia tomentosa, also known as Teabush or Pyramid Bush. For more information about this Texas native pollinator plant, visit the USDA Plant Database or the Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife Center website
Melochia tomentosa, also known as Teabush or Pyramid Bush
The purpose of the project is to use citizen scientists to determine the attractiveness of different commercially available ornamentals (annuals or perennials) to different groups of pollinators in the Southern USA, namely Texas and Oklahoma.
Due to popular demand and great results from 2020 and 2019, Pollinator Citizen Science Project is launching yet again this year. The required training and quiz start online on-demand Monday March 22, 2021, accessible through the project page. The training will be similar to last year, with some added training on plant identification (offered by Dr. Vikram Baliga from Texas Tech University). There will also be a live Q&A session later that week to answer any questions citizen scientists may have related to the project.
As before, BMGA members may recieve CEU credit for the training and volunteer hour credit for the time collecting and submitting data to the project. This is a true citizen science project allowing ordinary citizens to make a contribution that matters to the horticulture of our state.
When: Mar 25, 2021 02:30 PM Central Time (US and Canada)
https://agrilife.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJMqc-2rqzkvGdfxKLO8vgAuj9ulTtgO3FiL
Results for 2020
Result for 2019
Many congratulations to the Project Team:
- Dr. Mike Merchant, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
- Mr. Erfan Vafaie, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
- Dr. Eric Rebek, Oklahoma State University
- Dr. Adam Mitchell, Tarleton State University
- Dr. Scott Longing, Texas Tech University
- Dr. Vikram Baliga, Texas Tech University