PollenCheck√ app for iPhone and iPad

Managed honey bee colonies are in decline worldwide. Widely acknowledged contributing factors reside in a complex interrelation between pests and diseases, pesticides, loss of forage, and unsustainable beekeeping practices. Although many efforts are geared towards pest and diseases as well as pesticide uses potentially affecting honey bee colonies, very little work is being done in regards to the landscape composition surrounding managed hives. Quantity and quality of available forage is an essential component of colony health. The PollenCheck√ app enables you to become a citizen scientist and help beekeepers better understand the forage diversity across the landscape. While our initial study is focused on the state of Michigan, beekeepers from everywhere are invited to download the app, watch the instructional tutorials and contribute data from their respective localities.