Our project, “Bees, Blooms, and Boroughs: Analyzing Pollinator Patterns in Urban Community Gardens,” delves into the intricate relationship between community garden features and bee abundance. We aimed to understand how factors like socioeconomic status, garden design, and floral diversity influence bee visitation rates in Brooklyn.
The choice of this topic stemmed from the crucial role bees play in pollination and the increasing importance of urban environments for sustainable living. We wanted to explore how different community gardens contribute to bee conservation and if factors like socioeconomic status impact this relationship.
Our process involved selecting six diverse community gardens in Brooklyn and meticulously assessing their floral diversity, structural features, and socioeconomic context. We utilized plant identification apps to identify flowering species, calculated the Shannon diversity index for floral diversity, and measured bee abundance in standardized areas.
The data analysis revealed compelling insights. Gardens with high structural diversity and a rich variety of flowers, such as Clifton Place and Pacific Bear, demonstrated significantly higher bee counts. The positive correlation between structural diversity, flower diversity index, and bee abundance highlighted the importance of diverse plantings and features like bird baths in supporting local pollinator populations.
The study also underscored the influence of socioeconomic factors, as gardens in high-income areas exhibited greater biodiversity. This suggests that community engagement and resources play pivotal roles in fostering vibrant urban ecosystems.
Ultimately, our project aims to emphasize the importance of thoughtful design and community involvement in creating urban green spaces that not only beautify neighborhoods but also contribute to the conservation of essential pollinators like bees. We hope readers gain insights into the delicate balance between urban planning, socioeconomic factors, and biodiversity for a sustainable and thriving urban ecosystem.
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