A project of the Chicago Botanic Garden
A project of the Chicago Botanic Garden
Projects
As we build an understanding of how plants are being affected by climate change, we know that the timing of reproduction life events like flowering, are indeed changing. Pollinators are crucial to a majority of plant reproduction and changes in climate may be affecting their life cycles as well.
HELP ANSWER THIS RESEARCH QUESTION:
|
How is climate change affecting plant-pollinator interactions? |
Changes in pollination has significant impacts on how we humans live our lives and interact with our environment on a daily basis. Pollinator and pollinator health changes the success of fruiting for plants and our food supply and therefore our health. We know that phenological events can vary from year to year, but how are pollinators affected by these variations. Submit data to help us understand how insect emergence, pollen availability, and climate conditions impacts plant-pollinator interaction.
All it takes is a few clicks. Start observing today. Join Budburst
Create or log into your Budburst Account and submit a pollinator observation.
Report using your handheld device or record your observations on a printable datasheet and add your findings online later.
Anywhere you can observe pollinators on a flowering plant.
Once a plant is flowering, then complete a 10 minute observation recording the number and type of pollinators that visit.
For every observation, record the date, the approximate temperature (°F), and cloud cover, measure the height of each plant from the soil to the tallest tip in centimeters (cm), and note the phenological stage of each plant (early, middle, or late flower). The pollinators observation form also asks for the number of open flowers or flower heads for each plant, depending on what species you are observing. Now you are ready to start observing pollinators!
Record the start time of your observation period and sit or stand a comfortable distance from the plant from which you can clearly see insects but not interfere with their visitation. Each time a pollinator touches a flower, record a visit for the appropriate plant and pollinator group. If a pollinator visits a flower, leaves the plant for >10 seconds, and returns to the same plant, record as a new visit.
Continue to observe for 10 minutes and record the end time of your observation period.
First Flowers
Spring is important as pollinators emerge! Help us track when they appear.
Summer Pollination
Help us track what pollinators are doing during the hottest time of the year.
Fall Flowers
Help us track pollinator activity this fall as they get ready to hibernate.
Do your part for our planet. Join Budburst today.
Becoming a part of Budburst is easy—and important. When we all contribute to conservation efforts like this one, we’re one step closer to preserving the planet we share.
Get the App
Budburst is a project of the
Chicago Botanic Garden
One of the treasures of the
Forest Preserves of Cook County
Creative Commons
BY-NC-SA 4.0