Beescape Monthly Update for September

First up this month, a new podcast about Beescape was published by Oregon State University's 'PolliNation'. (Complete podcast) Therein, the Beescape team leader, Penn State's Dr. Christina Grozinger, discusses the merit and general functionality of the Beescape platform! Do you know anyone who might be potentially interested in using Beescape? Sharing this podcast with those folks might be a good place to start a conversation!

Next, Penn State University is actively developing an 'augmented reality' app that integrates natural areas with environmental learning tools developed for kids. The app is focused on wild pollinator identification and life history. Do you have interest in helping children discover the natural world using technology (e.g., ipads, smart phones, etc.) as a conduit for learning? (More information about how you can become involved!) Using just common, household technology (i.e., an ipad or iphone) and an hour of your time, you can help develop this valuable learning tool -- and earn $20 while doing it! Visit the link for more details.

Finally, please remember to fill out your Fall/Spring Beescape survival survey from 2019/2020 if you have not already done so! By contributing fall (and spring) survival data through Beescape, the Beescape Team can better predict the landscape factors (including weather and climate) associated with metrics of bee health like overwinter survival and the timing of nectar flows! We need BOTH Fall and Spring surveys for each apiary to make use of the data -- one without the other cannot be added to our models. We are excited to use your data to make better tools (like our new Bee Winter Wise tool) to predict honey bee health dynamics!

As always, feel free to contact us at beescapepsu@gmail.com with any questions, comments or concerns -- including assistance with filling out your Beescape surveys. We always love hearing from you.

Sincerely,

The Beescape Team