Submitted by Gordon Frankie on
Project 1: Avocado Orchard Bee and Pollinator Study. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the range of avocado flower visitors to assess whether introduction of pollinator habitat gardens might promote an increase in pollinator numbers in the orchards during the avocado bloom period. The focus of this investigation is at avocado orchards in Ventura and Santa Barbara counties.
Project 2: Mount Diablo Native Bee Survey. Since 2015, the Urban Bee Lab has conducted a survey of Mt. Diablo native bees and their host flowers. We are continuing the 5th year of this survey which will help us to examine long-term patterns of bee diversity and abundance. We are also looking at urban areas adjacent to see which species of bees are making use of garden and weedy plants in nearby cities.
The student will help to gather information on behavioral and ecological relationships of native California bees to their native California host plants (as well as some non-natives) in Urban Brentwood, Mt. Diablo, and other locations as needed. Through this field work, they will learn to identify many types of plants and native bees. The undergraduate will also assist with lab plant maintenance, pinning and labeling of bee specimens in the lab.
Encouraged but not required: gardening experience; background in environmental science, plant ecology, and/or entomology. Cannot have allergies to bee and wasp stings. Must be comfortable with collecting native bee voucher specimens, and eager to learn to identify plants and bees in the field.