mar-apr-2020

tools. Working with researchers to help analyze these data, more predictions, recommendations and best management practices become possible. Imagine taking a beekeeper’s meticulous notes that list dates and pollen type collected in pollen traps over half a century. What if this type of beekeeper existed in every state, every region, every county, every 100 square- mile area ? What if all of those lists were compiled and analyzed ? Can you imagine what could be learned about forage resources for honey bees ? This type of study would be virtually impossible without citizen science. Can the general public be trusted to do science ? Absolutely. Could there be errors in the data due to inconsistent data collection methods ? Yes. The contributions of non-researchers to research studies, however, likely far outweigh the pitfalls. Additionally, citizen scientists offer a tremendous amount of anecdotal information that can help explain patterns and phenomena and add rich color about cultural and generational practices that the data alone do not convey. As BIP heads into its first strategic planning process in 2020, the organization will seek input from external stakeholders and citizen scientist beekeepers and growers Samples for diagnostics help beekeepers monitor their hives. IN YOUR ORCHARD 2 8 A L M O N D F A C T S