College of Arts and Sciences

OU professor conducting pollinator surveys in Oakland County parks

Surveys will help evaluate how land management strategies influence plant, insect biodiversity

Pollinator Survey

Photo courtesy Joseph Ferraro

Pollinator Survey

Photo courtesy Mary Jamieson

Pollinator Survey

Photo courtesy Joseph Ferraro

Pollinator Survey

Photo courtesy Mary Jamieson

Pollinator Survey

Photo courtesy Joseph Ferraro

Pollinator Survey

icon of a calendarJuly 22, 2021

Share this story

OU professor conducting pollinator surveys in Oakland County parks
Pollinator Survey
The Jamieson Biodiversity Lab at Oakland University, led by Biology Professor Mary Jamieson, is conducting pollinator surveys in Oakland County and Oakland Township parks and natural areas this summer. (Photo courtesy Mary Jamieson)

The Jamieson Biodiversity Lab at Oakland University, led by Biology Professor Mary Jamieson, is conducting pollinator surveys in Oakland County and Oakland Township parks and natural areas this summer to help evaluate how land management strategies are influencing plant and insect biodiversity.

These surveys will also contribute data to the Michigan Butterfly Network as well as national and international pollinator monitoring efforts. Jamieson is a regional coordinator for the Michigan Butterfly Network and co-chair of the Urban Pollinator Taskforce for the Pollinator Partnership, an international organization that aims to protect pollinators through collaborative efforts by scientists, land managers, policymakers, and citizens.

“Pollinators aid in reproduction for nearly 90 percent of all flowering plants, which includes agricultural crops as well as the wildflowers that we love so much,” Jamieson said.

According to Jamieson, populations of butterflies and bees are in decline across the globe, largely due to habitat degradation resulting from increased urbanization and agricultural intensification. This is a major problem for the environment and humans, as insects provide important ecosystem services.

“The good news is that land managers and citizens can help these pollinators by restoring and protecting their habitat, which includes our parks and backyards,” Jamieson said, noting that Oakland County and Oakland Township Parks land managers use multiple strategies, including prescribed burns, invasive plant removal, and native plant restoration to improve habitat quality for plants, pollinators, other wildlife, and people.

The pollinator surveys, which focus on bees and butterflies, are being conducted in 10 parks and natural areas located throughout Oakland County and are supported by Oakland Township Parks and Recreation as well as Oakland County Parks. These research efforts involve Oakland University graduate and undergraduate students working in the Jamieson Lab with assistance from citizen scientists from the community.

“We use a combination of survey methods including observational counts, collections, and photo monitoring,” Jamieson said.

According to Jamieson, citizen scientists play a key role in pollinator research and educational activities.

“In particular, Joseph Ferraro’s bee photos have helped capture the beauty and diversity of wild bees in our area,” she said. “In Michigan, there are more than 465 bees that are critical pollinator species. Contributions by student researchers and citizen scientists have helped document approximately 250 species of bees and butterflies in the tri-county region, with a few dozen new species records for the county.

“Native flowering species and the habitat restoration projects that support them are essential components of pollinator conservation,” Jamieson added. “The Jamieson Biodiversity Lab is excited to continue research this summer and into the future.”

Professor Jamieson hosts workshops for citizen scientists who are interested in contributing to pollinator monitoring efforts. Information about upcoming events, research and educational activities can be found on Instagram (@PlantsForPollinators) or on the Jamieson Biodiversity Lab website, www.jamiesonlab.com.

Share this story