Pollinator Attraction Citizen Science Program - UAF … · Pollinator Attraction Citizen Science...
Transcript of Pollinator Attraction Citizen Science Program - UAF … · Pollinator Attraction Citizen Science...
Pollinator Attraction Citizen Science Program
Katie Villano Spellman Department of Biology and Wildlife University of Alaska Fairbanks
The Melibee Project � Overarching research goal: Investigate the impact of invasive white sweetclover on the pollination of blueberry and cranberry
The Melibee Project � Our approach: - Surveys and observation - Experiments - Historical data from herbarium records - Statewide citizen monitoring
Phenology: a geographic mosaic of interactions?
V. vitis-idaea flowering
Melilotus flowering
V. vitis-idaea flowering
Melilotus flowering
Slide modified from C.P.H. Mulder
Impacts
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Risk Models for Alaska
� Determine the extent of berry plant and sweetclover flowering times overlap in different parts of Alaska
� Predict vulnerability of berry harvest to impact by invasive plants in changing climate
The Melibee Project � Our approach: - Historical data from herbarium records - Current data from citizen monitoring
Cranberry specimen from the University of Alaska Museum of the North herbarium
Label on a herbarium sample dating back to 1881.
Monitoring lowbush cranberry in Fairbanks.
Current Data
� Research outreach
� Engage public in process of science
� Lots of data with limited resources
Citizen Science!
Mary Gregory, Kuskokwim River Watershed Council Elder
Pollinator Attraction Citizen Science
Program Attributes: � Recruiting • Science expos and
outdoor education fairs • Conservation and
Education Listserves • Teacher partners • Facebook • Website
Science Expo, March 2012
Potter’s Marsh Discovery Days, June 2012
Pollinator Attraction Citizen Science Program Attributes: � Training (Distance delivery webinar and in-person)
Fairbanks Training, July 2012 Anchorage Training, June 2012
Pollinator Attraction Citizen Science Program Attributes: � Monitoring supplies package
• Protocols • Site Description Form • Data sheets • 5 metal plant tags • Flagging tape • “Research Area” sign • Focal Plant ID Guide • Phenophase Photo Guide
Pollinator Attraction Citizen Science Program Attributes: � Online access to
protocols, research reports, training webinar and data reporting
https://sites.google.com/a/ alaska.edu/melibee-project/
Pollinator Attraction Citizen Science Program Attributes: � Aligned with National
Phenology Network protocols
Pollinator Attraction Citizen Science Program Attributes: � Lessons and teacher resources to help
incorporate research into science classrooms
Observing pollinators. Analyzing pollen loads on stigmas.
Pollinator Attraction Citizen Science Program Attributes: � Teacher Training
Field learning on invasive plant ecology. Practice with lab techniques.
Summer 2012: � 354 observations � 50 monitoring sites
Monitoring locations 2012 (white text)and new locations committed for 2013 (yellow text)
Program Outcomes 2012 � 89 Volunteers (and more!)
� THANK YOU TO: Sarah Masterman, Katy Masterman, Everett Masterman, Darcy Etcheverry, Gino Graziano, Fiora Graziano, Jen Kain, Katie Spellman, Blaine Spellman, Jenni Medley, Jeannie Kirkland, Maddie Michaud, Mitch Michaud, Arthur Woodard, Cherie Northon, Thom Eley, Meg Mueller, Amelia Mueller, Marlys House, Eagle School, Alaska Botanical Garden Jr. Master Gardener's Camp, Patrick Ryan, Marcia Knutson, Anna Breuninger, Lia Slemons, Bruce Bennett, Aart Nugteren, Seth Beaudreault, Joyanne Hamilton, Innoko River School Students, Ruth Faj, Kathy Taylor Yokel, Nola Kurber, Morgan Kain, Steve Decina, Matt Carlson, Laura Schneller, Christa Mulder, Laura Medinger, Sally Endestad, Ari Endestad, Lindsey Shelly, Ali Vos, Adriana Amayr, Craig Feinstein, Mercedes Becker, Bill Holden, Pam Randles, Hilary Houghton, EcoTours Haines
Youngest Scientist, Fiora Graziano, age 5 Anchorage
Most Diligent Data Submitter, Jen Kain, Seward
� 2 rural schools, � 10 educators, � 1 youth camp, � 5 families, � 5 interested individuals � 6 conservation agencies � 3 nature centers � 11 biologists � 1 tourist program
Most observations (72!), Seth Beaudreault, Toolik
Most creative plant names (Kachemak, Spit, Kenai, Iliamna, Poot, Tenera, Jalapa, Saccharum, Facetus, Peregrinus), CACS Wynn Nature Center Staff, Homer
Program Outcomes 2012
Least plants observed (only one
sweetclover is in the whole village!),
Innoko River School, Shageluk
HOW TO MONITOR Step 1. Select plant species to investigate
Sweetclover Melilotus officinalis/
Melilotus albus
Lowbush Cranberry Vaccinium vitis-idaea
Bog Blueberry Vaccinium uliginosum
Other Species- Contact us!
HOW TO MONITOR Step 5. Record your observations of plants
PHENOPHASES
1. Leaf Unfurling/ emergence
2. Flower buds 3. Open Flowers 4. Petal Drop 5. Unripe Fruit 6. Ripe Fruit
HOW TO MONITOR Step 6. Report your data
Ways to report: 1) Online at https://sites.google.com/a/alaska.edu/melibee-project/citizen-science/submit-data 2) Email scanned data sheets to [email protected] 3) Mail paper data sheets.