Country's Largest Science Project Calls For Citizen Participation
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - It's the country's largest science project and it can turn your backyard into a laboratory.
Researchers say all you need are bees, a garden and 15 minutes.
Hilary Bullard is a third grade teacher, but when she's not managing her classroom, she has other things buzzing at home.
"Back in February, I became a beekeeper for myself. I have two hives in my backyard," said Bullard.
She is beekeeping, in addition to maintaining multiple gardens.
Now she's joining what is being called The Great Sunflower Project.
"I thought this is a fantastic way to educate my own students, a fantastic way to educate myself and get it out to the public," said Bullard.
This backyard bee count is the largest science project across the country.
"The objective of the project is to stare at one particular flower that is bee friendly for 15 minutes," said Bullard.
So what do you do?
"Record what type of bee lands on the flower, how long it lands, and the duration of time. That's it," said Bullard.
Since 2008 scientific studies have shown a decline in the bee population.
"It's so important for us to have our bees pollinating and provide us with food," said Bullard.
The goal now is to find out what areas are seeing them disappear.
"I'm going to use my Russian Mammoths, my favorite sunflowers. They're the largest; they're beautiful high up in the air and swing and gives the bees a platform to land," said Bullard.
So next Saturday, Hilary will watch, for 15 minutes, and hopes others will join in.
"I think they'll appreciate the insect more, and also appreciate where our food comes from, and think more locally and globally," said Bullard.
It's a reminder that these insects have a purpose, and we need them more than we think.
"I think that the bottom line is we care a lot about the bees and maybe our partnership works we leave them alone when were out, and we get to reap the rewards," said Bullard.
The bee count is scheduled for August 11.
If you want to take part in the project visit The Great Sunflower Project website.
