Media Advisory: The Great Bee Count set for Aug. 17

WHAT: San Francisco State University’s Great Sunflower Project is celebrating its annual Great Bee Count on Saturday, Aug. 17. Volunteers nationwide are asked to count bees and upload their findings to www.greatsunflower.org    

SF State biologist Gretchen LeBuhn founded the Great Sunflower Project in 2008 to investigate the decline of bee populations. With the help of more than 100,000 volunteers the Great Sunflower Project has created the single largest database on pollinator populations in North America.

This year the project has expanded the criteria for collecting data so that participants can record bee sightings from a range of locations -- from a single backyard plant to an entire park or hiking trail.

In preparation for the Great Bee Count volunteers can practice uploading pollinator sightings by registering at http://www.greatsunflower.org/user/register

WHO: Anyone interested in helping to count bees

WHERE: In backyards, gardens, local parks and hiking trails throughout the country, and at the project’s website: www.greatsunflower.org

WHEN: Saturday Aug. 17, 2013

INFO: Contact Gianna Devoto at (415) 338-6745 or visit www.greatsunflower.org

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SF State is the only master's level public university serving the counties of San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin. The university enrolls more than 30,000 students each year. With nationally acclaimed programs in a range of fields -- from creative writing, cinema and biology to history, broadcast and electronic communications arts, theatre arts and ethnic studies -- the University's more than 219,000 graduates have contributed to the economic cultural and civic fabric of San Francisco and beyond.