The Great Sunflower Project: Citizen Scientists Count Bees for Pollinator Health

Unless you’ve been under a rock, you know honey bees are vanishing—Colony Collapse Disorder. Scientists search for causes; meanwhile, San Francisco State University biologist Dr. Gretchen LeBuhn launched The Great Sunflower Project, enlisting citizen scientists coast-to-coast to map bee activity. You and your kids can contribute real data while having fun.

Simple Protocol

Plant annual sunflower Helianthus annuus ‘Lemon Queen’ (chosen for pollen, long bloom, manageable size, pot-friendly, organic seed availability). Twice monthly while flowering, time how long 5 bees take to visit, or 30 minutes max. Report counts on standardized sheets. Crucial: Report zeros! Low/no bee areas are where help is needed most.

Note: Perennial Helianthus ‘Lemon Queen’ is different—doesn’t come true from seed. Use the annual only.

What Bees to Count

Honey bees, bumble bees, metallic green bees, carpenter bees, mason bees, other solitary bees. Don’t count wasps: yellow jackets, paper wasps, mud daubers. The project’s bee guide helps distinguish them.

Pollinators above—count these!

Wasps above—do NOT count!

Educational Goldmine

Perfect for kids: grow from seed, observe nectar/pollen, time 30 minutes, read suggested books. Teacher resources cover math, social studies, writing, health. Over 40,000 volunteers (pre-schoolers to master gardeners) registered since 2008.

Join In: 4 Easy Steps

Volunteer & participate | Teacher resources | Classroom projects | Education forum

Seed Sources for ‘Lemon Queen’

• Renee’s Garden (donates 10% to project)
• Gurney’s, Thompson & Morgan, Sustainable Seed Co. (heirloom, untreated)
• Organic: Peaceful Valley Farm, Seed Empire, ESP Seeds, West Coast Seeds
• Live plants: Plant Delights Nursery

Photo credits: LilyLover_UT, Renee’s Garden (PlantFiles); Ron Hemberger; BugFiles contributors: Htop, Begoniacrazi, Nifty413, Magpye, Linda_nc, Marilynbeth, Ibycus, Amandaemily, bonitin.