Who Can Participate in this Project?
Everyone! If you see a flower in bloom and have an idea what it is, please submit the information.
Also, please note if you see any pollinators (bees, flys or butterflies on the flowers)
Where do I get an observation sheet?
Download either the excel or pdf version of an observation sheet by clicking on one of these buttons.
See either the "submit observation" or "contact" page for instructions on how to submit your observations.
Why do you want to know if there are pollinators on the flowers?
Pollinators on the flowers indicate the plant is producing pollen and/or nectar
What if I don't know what kind of flower it is?
You can try to look up the flower in our gallery of local NH flowers
or check any of these resources:
https://amc-nh.org/resources/guides/wildflowers/
http://nhwildflowers.org/pink-thumb.php
http://www.newhampshirewildflowers.com/?fbclid=IwAR0LpXg-bGvxl1DJ10ehVy0p-cZ5vEHuoIXCed00Bn6H-b1z09bt37a6OLA
https://extension.unh.edu/resource/identifying-trees-and-shrubs-new-hampshire
https://uswildflowers.com/stateref.php?State=NH
https://amc-nh.org/resources/guides/wildflowers/
https://www.nhhomemagazine.com/top-10-native-plants-for-the-northeast/
https://www.highcountrygardens.com/gardening/attracting-honeybees-to-your-vegetable-garden
https://budburst.org/plant-identification - this site lists all the current apps available.
https://www.buzzaboutbees.net/Flowering-Shrubs-For-Bees.html
You can also send a picture to nh.is.blooming@gmail.com and we will try to help identify it.
Why are you collecting pollen color observations?
A honeybee brings pollen back to the hive in pollen baskets on its back legs. By observing the color of the pollen, we can sometimes guess at what type of flower they were collecting from. Combining this information with the flower observations might tell us where the bees are foraging. You can add the pollen observations by clicking the "at hive" button on the observation page.
How do I enter my pollen observations?
On the Enter Observation page, click on the "at hive" button and you will be able to select from a set of pollen colors.
Where do I find a list of plants and their pollen colors?
Search the web for "pollen color chart" or click on these URLs to get to a couple different references:
https://www.metrobeekeepers.net/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/PollenColorChart-Sheet1.pdf
Do I have to submit my observations online?
No! You can email your observation sheet to nh.is.blooming@gmail.com if that is easier for you or send mail via USPS to :
NH Is Blooming Observations
PO Box 250
Gilmanton, NH 03237