Pollinators are animals (commonly insects) that move from flower to flower, collecting and dispersing pollen grains. Fertilization occurs when a pollinator brushes against the reproductive parts of a flower, accidentally transferring pollen from one flower to the next. Common species of pollinators are bees, butterflies, birds, bats, flies, and beetles (in this investigation bees and butterflies are the main pollinators observed). Pollinators aid tremendously in fertilization of flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Scientists contend that “three-fourths of the world’s flowering plants and about 35 percent of the world’s food crops depend on animal pollinators to reproduce” (USDA, 2019).

Many plants cannot reproduce (or create seeds and nuts) without this accidental transfer of pollen. After coming into contact with flowers, pollen grains collect on the hind legs and undersides of bees, also referred to as the “pollen basket”. This structure allows bees to bring back the grains to their hive. The color of the pollen found on a bee differs depending on the flower, for example, dandelion pollen is orange in color. Pollen comes in many different colors, from light yellow, to darker colors such as orange, or even green (FAO 2018).

Citizen science projects such as bumblebee watch or monarch monitoring have accounted for different populations of pollinators in various areas (Xerces Society Invertebrate Conservation 2019). This investigation attempts to record and identify native pollinators, determine flowers that are most frequented by bees, and analyze the corresponding pollen color preferences of pollinators.