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PolliNation ID icon

PolliNation ID

Evidence Tier:DOCUMENTED

Published in academic literature

For:Researchers & AcademicsGeneral Public & Enthusiasts

App Summary

PolliNation ID is a citizen science tool from the University of Michigan-Dearborn that enables the public to identify and submit observations of native pollinators. The app's design is supported by associated research concluding that citizen science projects using structured methodologies and including training significantly contribute to scientific output (p < 0.001). By facilitating public participation in structured data collection, this project helps address critical data gaps and advance pollinator conservation efforts.

App Screenshots

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Detailed Description

Functionality & Mechanism

Developed by the University of Michigan-Dearborn, PolliNation ID is a citizen science tool for monitoring native pollinators. The system provides identification guides for common Michigan insect species and delivers pedagogical content on their habits and habitats. The primary mechanism involves image capture of observed pollinators, which the interface facilitates for submission to a central research database. These submissions are then utilized by researchers to map the geographic distribution of critical pollinator populations within the region.

Evidence & Research Context

  • The app's methodology aligns with citizen science approaches designed to address significant data gaps in global pollinator population monitoring.
  • An analysis of citizen science projects in this domain found that structured methodologies and the inclusion of training components significantly predict the generation of research outputs (Adjusted R²=0.766, p<0.001).
  • The system's focus on insect identification and habitat documentation is consistent with over half of established pollinator monitoring initiatives worldwide.
  • This regional tool contributes data to the North American context, where the majority of existing pollinator citizen science projects are conducted.

Intended Use & Scope

This tool is intended for the general public, educators, and students participating in citizen science initiatives. Its primary utility is to facilitate public data collection on regional pollinator distribution and to provide educational resources. The app functions as an identification aid for common species; it does not provide definitive taxonomic verification or agricultural recommendations. The data collected is intended for ecological research purposes.

Studies & Publications

1 publication

Peer-reviewed research associated with this app.

Non-Evaluative Reference

Citizen science in pollinator monitoring: current approaches, challenges and recommendations

Justine et al. (2025) · Oikos

Referenced in academic literature; no direct evaluation of the app
The current decline in pollinator abundance and diversity poses a significant threat to the natural world and the food and economic security of human societies. A major challenge faced by the scientific community in pollinator conservation is the lack of sufficient data. Citizen science has emerged as a promising avenue for addressing this issue. In this article, we present the global perspective of citizen science projects focused on pollinator monitoring. Our analysis reveals a notable underrepresentation of developing and tropical countries in citizen science‐driven data generation efforts. More than 70% of the listed studies are conducted in North America (n = 64), followed by Europe (n = 22). Together, Europe and North America account for 98.85% (n = 86) of all the projects listed. Thirty‐three percent of the projects are hosted on iNaturalist. Majority of projects focus on insects as pollinators, and 52% of the projects additionally document the identity of the pollinated plant species. We classified these projects into structured, semi‐structured, and unstructured categories based on their methodologies. Linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate the influence of various factors on the potential for generating outputs. The regression model explained 82% of the variance in document production (adjusted R 2 = 0.766, F 10,33 = 15.06, p < 0.001). Structured projects significantly contributed to document output (estimate = 12.44, p < 0.001), as did the inclusion of training (estimate = 6.89, p < 0.001). Fisher's exact test for count data also revealed a significant association for outputs generated with the structured methodology (p < 0.001). Additionally, we discuss the merits and drawbacks of different approaches and propose recommendations for subsequent research.
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In the Media

PolliNation Project

UM-Dearborn students developed PolliNation ID to track which pollinators visit insect hotels, using smartphone technology as part of a campus-wide conservation initiative. The app collected data from over 100 insect hotels during the 2021 and 2022 seasons as part of the broader PolliNation Project addressing the critical decline in pollinator populations.

UmdearbornRead article

Affiliate Spotlight: University of Michigan-Dearborn

The University of Michigan-Dearborn became the first public university in Michigan to achieve Bee Campus USA certification in autumn 2019, establishing pollinator habitats including rain gardens and a 1-acre Community Organic Garden dating back to 1970. The university carefully selected native perennial plant species for these gardens "based on a number of factors, with an emphasis on their importance as nectar sources and as hosts for egg laying and rearing of larvae for pollinators." The gardens collectively earned recognition as a certified Monarch Waystation through Monarch Watch, supporting monarch conservation efforts.

BeecityusaRead article

Bee City USA & Bee Campus USA Affiliate Spotlight: University of Michigan-Dearborn

The University of Michigan-Dearborn became the first public university in Michigan to achieve Bee Campus USA certification in autumn 2019, building on its long tradition of environmental education that began with establishing a Community Organic Garden in 1970. The university created specialized pollinator habitats including rain gardens and pollinator gardens with carefully selected native perennial plants that serve as nectar sources and host sites for pollinator reproduction. These collective gardens have earned recognition as a certified Monarch Waystation through Monarch Watch, supporting monarch conservation efforts across North America.

XercesRead article

PolliNation ID

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