We are soliciting Master Gardener feedback on the attractiveness of the native wildflowers that Aaron Anderson is studying for pollinator plantings. More detail on the study can be found at:
http://blogs.oregonstate.edu/gardenecologylab/native-plants-2/
As we mention, not only are we interested in finding plants that support ecosystem services; we also want to find plants that gardeners find attractive, and that they would want.
This is where you come in. If you are willing, please let us know which ones you would like to see in your own garden, based on their looks, alone. Below is the recruitment letter, with further information about participation. Thank you for your consideration!
*******************************************
Study: Screening Willamette Valley Wildflowers for attractiveness to Pollinators and Natural Enemies
Graduate Research Assistant: Aaron Anderson (andeaaro@oregonstate.edu; 503-860-9286)
Principal Investigator: Dr. Gail Langellotto (Gail.Langellotto@oregonstate.edu; 541-737-5175)
Dear Master Gardener,
You are invited to take part in a survey that will generate useful information on the ornamental value of pollinator-friendly native wildflowers.
Previous research has shown that urban greenspaces, notably gardens, can provide excellent habitat for pollinators and other invertebrates. The inclusion of pollinator-friendly plantings in gardens has the potential to improve habitat quality and connectivity in otherwise inhospitable landscapes. However, research on which Willamette Valley wildflowers are best to use for these plantings is lacking. Thus, I am conducting a research project to assess the relative attractiveness of 23 wildflower species native to the Willamette Valley (Oregon) to pollinators and natural enemies. Additionally, I would like to assess the aesthetic value of these plants to identify native flowers that are also attractive for ornamental use in home gardens.
As a Master Gardener, I am asking your help with my study, “Screening Willamette Valley Wildflowers for attractiveness to Pollinators and Natural Enemies”. If you are aged 18 or older, and are currently a Master Gardener, or have been a Master Gardener in the past, I would appreciate it if you could take 10-15 minutes to respond to this survey:
Your survey responses will be recorded as a group. Thus, your response will be anonymous. If the results of this survey are published, your identity will not be made public. The security and confidentiality of information collected from cannot be guaranteed. Confidentiality will be kept to the extent permitted by the technology being used. Information collected online can be intercepted, corrupted, lost, destroyed, arrive late or incomplete, or contain viruses.
Your participation in this study is voluntary and you may refuse to answer any questions(s) for any reason. There are a limited number of Master Gardeners in Oregon, so your participation in this study is important. If you do not want to participate and do not wish to be contacted further, do not fill out the online questionnaire. There are no foreseeable risks to you as a participant in this project; nor are there any direct benefits. However, your participation is extremely valued.
If you have any questions about the survey, please contact me at 503-860-9286 or via email at andeaaro@oregonstate.edu. If you have questions about your rights as a participant in this research project, please contact the Oregon State University Institutional Review Board (IRB) Human Protections Administrator at (541) 737-4933 or by email at IRB@oregonstate.edu.
Thank you for your help. I appreciate your consideration.
Sincerely,
Aaron Anderson
You must be logged in to post a comment.