Creating the Urban Farmer's Almanac with Citizen Science Data.

Kathleen L Prudic,J Keaton Wilson,Katharine L Gerst,Jeffrey C Oliver,Theresa M Crimmins,Michelle C Toshack,Alyssa Rosemartin

doi:10.3390/insects10090294

Abstract

Agriculture has long been a part of the urban landscape, from gardens to small scale farms. In recent decades, interest in producing food in cities has grown dramatically, with an estimated 30% of the global urban population engaged in some form of food production. Identifying and managing the insect biodiversity found on city farms is a complex task often requiring years of study and specialization, especially in urban landscapes which have a complicated tapestry of fragmentation, diversity, pollution, and introduced species. Supporting urban growers with relevant data informs insect management decision-making for both growers and their neighbors, yet this information can be difficult to come by. In this study, we introduced several web-based citizen science programs that can connect growers with useful data products and people to help with the who, what, where, and when of urban insects. Combining the power of citizen science volunteers with the efforts of urban farmers can result in a clearer picture of the diversity and ecosystem services in play, limited insecticide use, and enhanced non-chemical alternatives. Connecting urban farming practices with citizen science programs also demonstrates the ecosystem value of urban agriculture and engages more citizens with the topics of food production, security, and justice in their communities.

Highlights

Urbanization is a major driver of land use change worldwide [1]
By 2030, more than 60% of the global population will live in urban areas [2] and transform many suburban and rural agricultural systems into urban environments [3]
Framework, agriculture systems are managed as living systems [42]. Essential to this framework is documenting where and when insect pests, beneficials, and pollinators are present on the farm and in the surrounding area [42]; such data are increasingly available through a number of citizen science resources

Summary

Introduction

Urbanization is a major driver of land use change worldwide [1]. By 2030, more than 60% of the global population will live in urban areas [2] and transform many suburban and rural agricultural systems into urban environments [3]. Urban agriculture provides resources and shelter for urban animals beyond humans, enhances biodiversity, and improves ecosystem services, making cities more resilient and resistant to environmental change [7]. In many urban areas, the patchwork of formal and informal green spaces provides viable and important habitat for a diverse selection of plants and animals [13,14] Managed green spaces, such as farms and gardens, provide space and resources. Phenological information indicating when a pest is anticipated to be found in an important life stage can further enhance management planning [19] This phenological perspective supports management decisions such as applying a pesticide when it is least likely to impact a pollinator [20,21] or planting flowering plant species that bloom during a gap in blooming, where pollinators have reduced resources [20,22]. Data and tools offered by citizen science programs can support urban agroecosystems in all of these ways

Urban Insect Management Presents Unique Challenges and Opportunities

Urban Insect Management Can Be Facilitated by Citizen Science

Digital

Findings

Conclusionsand andRecommendations