Conservation Biologists Need You!

Explore, Observe, and Record Solitary Cavity-Nesting Bees 🔎🌼📸🐝 

Ready to be part of something BIG? Your observations are a gift to future generations, ensuring they inherit a planet teeming with life and biodiversity. The Crown Bees Community Science Project was created to find the "Who, What, When, and Where" of wild, solitary cavity-nesting bees throughout the continental United States.

Our Projects and Goals

Our main goal is to spot the FIRST springtime appearances of solitary cavity-nesting bees in your area with our First Flight of Solitary Cavity Nesting Bees Project. Capture the moment by adding photos of the initial flower blooms the bees visit and the locations where the bees choose to nest.

In April 2024, we will be adding a new project to our research about the Houdini Fly. Our goal is to capture appearances of the Houdini Fly, an invasive parasite of the mason bee.

Your Participation Matters

By participating, you are playing an active role in preserving the beauty and balance of our ecosystems. Scientists rely on the photos you share to understand and protect biodiversity, shaping policies and conservation strategies that impact the entire planet. Your observations contribute to the collective knowledge needed for sustainable environmental practices and the protection of endangered species.

How It Works

Share your snapshots of wild solitary cavity-nesting bees to iNaturalist, a vast database platform of observations. Once uploaded, advanced AI will use the data from the photos to suggest what kind of bee is in your picture. Whether it's your backyard bee haven or a picturesque spot during your neighborhood strolls, hikes, or summer getaways, every photo adds to the tapestry of nature's marvels.

Getting Started is Easy Bee-sy

1. Visit iNaturalist: Create your account.
2. Watch the video tutorials: These will teach you how to upload and document your findings.
3. Join the project: First Flight of Solitary Cavity Nesting Bees
4. Snap Photos: Capture the bees and flora around you.
5. Upload to iNaturalist: Share your observations on the user-friendly platform.
6. Join the Conversation: Connect with fellow scientists and nature lovers.

Crown Bees and iNaturalist join in a shared desire to support pollinators. The data collected help conservation biologists design policies for bee protection and pollinator habitats. Today's curiosity and discoveries will increase knowledge of wild, solitary cavity-nesting bees.