Your observations could be used in an important scientific study! Researchers at UMass Boston are comparing dandelion flowering times across the continent to look at their genetic diversity. Check out the materials below to learn more about the research being conducted as well as how to properly photograph the specimen and record basic information that can be used in this study.

Field species guide: www.drive.google.com/file/d/1_0VnzpaXowuztTmMBjVsyKw0znQszEqi/view?usp=sharing
EOL biodiversity cards: www.drive.google.com/file/d/1j_HFAL0dQazCXKKmIt7yBu1lO4cl8C0F/view?usp=sharing

Most people dislike the presence of weeds in their yards. However, these plants provide numerous benefits to the pasture ecosystems they occur in. They can be used as food sources, medicines, and environmental indicators.

National Weed Appreciation Day, celebrated annually on March 28, is a time to honor weeds for their usefulness and beauty. You can celebrate dandelions while contributing to meaningful research by photographing these plants in your backyard, city park, or the edge of a sidewalk, and identifying them here on iNaturalist.

Let's all show some love to these weedy wonders!