Marin Pollen Project 

Marin County Beekeepers Team Up with
Pennsylvania State University for 2012 Pollen Study

In 2012, the Marin Pollen Project, in conjunction with Maryann Frazier and the Pennsylvania State University Colony Collapse Disorder team, will conduct a study to assess pesticide use and potential impacts on pollinators in urban environments in Marin County.

Marin beekeepers will collect monthly pollen samples from thirty honey bee hives during the primary growing season from February, 2012 through October, 2012.  The hive locations will be geographically spread out across Marin.  

Up to $10,000 will need to be raised to pay for screening pollen for residues of 172 different herbicides, pesticides, metabolites, accelerants, and other chemicals that might be found in our environment. 

Honeybees, as concentrators, are well suited for the job of collecting pollen which is directly affected by the air, water, and soil in our environment.

The results will help us assess chemical use in the environment in our neighborhoods.   Taken together, this important information will be shared with the greater community in order to help educate the general public of the problems beekeepers are experiencing locally with pollinator populations and how individuals can help to be part of the solution.

To sponsor a beekeeper with a tax deductible contribution click here.

For more information Marin Pollen Project.

Thank you for your support.

Link to: Marin County Beekeepers website