about
urbanredbud is a citizen science project based in the City of Toronto. The goal of the project is to understand how climate change and urbanization impact plants and their pollinators, specifically the timing of their emergence and peak activity.
Have you ever noticed that flowering times differ between urban and rural areas or that plants bloom later near bodies of water and parks? We collect data on this phenomenon by monitoring the flowering time of the commonly planted ornamental tree, the eastern redbud (Cercis canadensis). We also monitor the activity of redbud pollinators using bee nest boxes and traps. (You might be asking: what is a bee nest box?).
The urbanredbud project provides a platform to engage the public in the scientific method and contribute data to an ecological study led by researchers at the University of Toronto.
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If you have a redbud tree on your property (or walk by one regularly), we'd love for you to participate in our study. For more info, please visit the get involved page.