How to participate

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By taking part in activities, you can be an active participant in the Urbanbees Life + biodiversity programme.  The aims of the Urbanbees programme are the validation and the dissemination of a guide of land management in favour of wild bees geared towards cities and their inhabitants.  A part of this guide will encourage the participation of local citizens in concrete activities of conservation.
 
Since participative science regarding bees is difficult (because actual identification is very difficult), we have placed emphasis on what one can do to help wild bees in the city, and efforts that one can make in one's garden.  With these aims in mind, we have divided participation into three levels of involvement.

1st level of involvement : become a wild bee observer

You are curious about wild bees, and you are curious to discover the reasons of their decline and to learn how to help save them :
  • come participate at one of the many Urbanbees events to learn more about this problem (sign up to receive our newsletter which will keep you up-to-date with our hands-on outings, workshops, conferences)
  • contribute to our internet site by sending your photos and if you would like, sign up to take part in our occasional photo contests.  Even though only about ten species of bee can be identified through photos, this is a great way to discover the fascinating world of bees and other pollinators.
  • volunteer to help set up URBANBEES sites and learn how to build structures on your own.  _Discover one of the 16 study sites_ created for wild bee nesting.
  • during our brainstorm days in cooperation with the Science and Society Service of the University of Lyon, and you are welcome to share your ideas on bee nestboxes and express your vision of nature in the city.

2nd level of involvement : become a scientifice participant in the Urbanbees program

You want to know more about the biology of bees and their identification :
  • participate in our bee preparation events, indispensable for their identification.  Through this exercise, you will learn criteria for bee identification, and learn to recognise different families and some bee genera.
  • participate in easy-to-observe bee identification training, and keep us up-to-date of sightings during your walks in the city or in nature (data taking protocol)
  • for those who are really motivated, learn about methods of capture and follow-up of wild bees by participating in research days on the field.