Pollinator Attraction Citizen Science Program - UAF … · Pollinator Attraction Citizen Science Program Katie Villano Spellman Department of Biology and Wildlife University of Alaska

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

The Melibee Project � Our approach: -  Experiments

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.

Historical Data � Alaska data 1915-2005

Data from C.P.H. Mulder

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 2.  Select a site. 

Sweetclover monitoring site in Seward (Jen Kain)

HOW TO MONITOR Step 3. Select individual focal plants Step 4. Mark your site and plants

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

Katie Spellman UAF Campus

6/15/11 3 pm 65 F

Bog blueberry

VU 1 68

6 4

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.

2012 Results 2012 Results

Citizen Monitoring Results

More to do…

� Recruit more volunteers � Gather more data � Collect climate station data for all

herbarium and citizen science location � Create models under different scenarios � Create interaction maps