Save The Bees Design Challenge

Save The Bees Design Challengehttps://community.element14.com/challenges-projects/design-challenges/save-the-bees-design-challenge/The Challenge has come to a close, and we'd like to congratulate the winners! See how they combined their technical prowess and love for the environment in their bee projects.en-USTelligent Community 12Forum Post: RE: Have you used openmv and/or the Nicla Visionhttps://community.element14.com/challenges-projects/design-challenges/save-the-bees-design-challenge/f/forum/52165/have-you-used-openmv-and-or-the-nicla-vision/232389Sat, 13 Dec 2025 00:42:00 GMT93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:d210a80d-25e0-4831-93e3-de9a776cc9b7robogaryI'm investigating an upgrade a small Arduino robot I'm building from a PixyCam's blob detection for guidance , to use NiclaVision for object classification/detection for target tracking and guidance. I've quickly read over https://docs.arduino.cc/tutorials/nicla-vision/getting-started/ and https://www.hackster.io/mjrobot/tinyml-made-easy-object-detection-with-nicla-vision-407ddd I havent started yet, I'm still googling around for a a cookbook procedure or open source solutions as a starting place. Additional recommendations anyone ?<link>https://community.element14.com/challenges-projects/design-challenges/save-the-bees-design-challenge/b/blog/posts/bees-in-oregon-in-winter?CommentId=c398c776-2afb-41ab-8c0b-773bfaf5ed8e</link><pubDate>Sat, 22 Mar 2025 22:17:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:c398c776-2afb-41ab-8c0b-773bfaf5ed8e</guid><dc:creator>beacon_dave</dc:creator><description>You perhaps need to work on a Bee Hotel with automated mud dispensing unit...</description></item><item><title /><link>https://community.element14.com/challenges-projects/design-challenges/save-the-bees-design-challenge/b/blog/posts/bees-in-oregon-in-winter?CommentId=39c2e510-55ad-4406-8f63-07955e55dbe1</link><pubDate>Sat, 22 Mar 2025 22:15:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:39c2e510-55ad-4406-8f63-07955e55dbe1</guid><dc:creator>beacon_dave</dc:creator><description>It's pretty wet here most of the time. ( I think Douglas Adams must have got the idea of Rob McKenna's 'two hundred and thirty-two different types of rain' from a visit here at some point ). The Crocus here have a real hard time surviving the wind and rain. I may have to move them into the edge of the lawn to give them a bit of protection/support. I've just ordered up some of the " Anna's Red " variety of Helleborus which are supposed to be bee friendly and flower Dec - Apr, so hopefully will help extend the food supply.</description></item><item><title /><link>https://community.element14.com/challenges-projects/design-challenges/save-the-bees-design-challenge/b/blog/posts/bees-in-oregon-in-winter?CommentId=16af6a08-e19c-4350-8dac-0624288f2037</link><pubDate>Sat, 22 Mar 2025 21:08:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:16af6a08-e19c-4350-8dac-0624288f2037</guid><dc:creator>ralphjy</dc:creator><description>Here's a pic of the mason bee cocoons I harvested in October. I only got a couple dozen because I wasn't too diligent about maintaining a source of wet mud for the bees. I'll do better this year.</description></item><item><title /><link>https://community.element14.com/challenges-projects/design-challenges/save-the-bees-design-challenge/b/blog/posts/bees-in-oregon-in-winter?CommentId=9547a79d-5510-4dec-a925-71f4ed959ee0</link><pubDate>Sat, 22 Mar 2025 15:05:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:9547a79d-5510-4dec-a925-71f4ed959ee0</guid><dc:creator>ralphjy</dc:creator><description>We've had a pretty wet few months and it looks like it will continue into April. We'll get a couple of warm sunny days next week and I'll put up the mason bee house and the cocoons from last year (I would have normally put it out a couple of weeks earlier). I didn't get any leaf cutter bee cocoons last year but I did see a few of them around the garden - so maybe this year . Our Helleborus has been flowering for a few weeks but I've only seen a couple of bumblebees so far. Cherry trees have been blooming for about a week but I think the flowers won't last very long because of the rain... Lots of other stuff starting to bloom. Lots of hummingbirds.</description></item><item><title /><link>https://community.element14.com/challenges-projects/design-challenges/save-the-bees-design-challenge/b/blog/posts/bees-in-oregon-in-winter?CommentId=24cdbdc3-f938-4463-ac0f-ca4202ebf635</link><pubDate>Sat, 22 Mar 2025 13:28:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:24cdbdc3-f938-4463-ac0f-ca4202ebf635</guid><dc:creator>beacon_dave</dc:creator><description>ralphjy Any signs of bee activity over there yet this year ? Any signs of activity at the bee hotel ? I spotted a few bumblebees active here in the front garden this week but I'm still a bit lacking in flowers at the moment, just a few Muscari and Crocus in flower. I think I need to get a few Helleborus to cater for the over Winter / early Spring diners as the seasons are starting to merge here. As it was a mild Winter, bees were still active in the garden here in December. I think the 'buffet table' is fully set here for Summer/Autumn though. The majority of the Alliums planted last Autumn have appeared and are currently 'solar recharging'.</description></item><item><title /><link>https://community.element14.com/challenges-projects/design-challenges/save-the-bees-design-challenge/b/blog/posts/saving-the-bees-old-style---part-3?CommentId=a7965518-efab-4163-aaf3-a79262cae59f</link><pubDate>Tue, 23 Jul 2024 17:56:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:a7965518-efab-4163-aaf3-a79262cae59f</guid><dc:creator>beacon_dave</dc:creator><description>The buff tail bumblebees are back in town for another feeding frenzy...</description></item><item><title /><link>https://community.element14.com/challenges-projects/design-challenges/save-the-bees-design-challenge/b/blog/posts/save-the-bees-design-challenge---finisher-s-prize?CommentId=8afd15f7-c4fe-4612-b91c-59554241eb4d</link><pubDate>Sun, 22 Oct 2023 15:59:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:8afd15f7-c4fe-4612-b91c-59554241eb4d</guid><dc:creator>beacon_dave</dc:creator><description>How is the Backyard Habitat and the new insect hotel going ? A few bees are still visiting here despite some low overnight temperatures recently. In preparation for next year, I have just been out planting another 100+ Alliums to increase the 'bee buffet' offering. Giant ball varieties instead of drumstick this time. Hopefully the drumsticks will also have multiplied though.</description></item><item><title /><link>https://community.element14.com/challenges-projects/design-challenges/save-the-bees-design-challenge/b/blog/posts/bees-monitor-with-predators-repellent-7---testing-the-water-sprayer-system?CommentId=0eb984f5-a8a9-492b-8b00-43d1f3ce9166</link><pubDate>Fri, 22 Sep 2023 09:53:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:0eb984f5-a8a9-492b-8b00-43d1f3ce9166</guid><dc:creator>lexx28</dc:creator><description>Great work! Couldn't you get rid of the MKR WAN by just directly attaching a Relay to the Nicla Vision? This Relay then triggers water spray system.</description></item><item><title /><link>https://community.element14.com/challenges-projects/design-challenges/save-the-bees-design-challenge/b/blog/posts/save-the-bees-design-challenge---finisher-s-prize?CommentId=d91f27e5-3449-40ef-9594-164c1151c73d</link><pubDate>Mon, 28 Aug 2023 11:59:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:d91f27e5-3449-40ef-9594-164c1151c73d</guid><dc:creator>beacon_dave</dc:creator><description>"...I'm assuming that the upper bit flops down after pollination to indicate to wildlife that it's now closed for business..." Turns out that the upper bit contains a rather cunning engineering linkage referred to as the 's taminal lever mechanism ' https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salvia#Staminal_lever_mechanism A passing Tree Bumblebee kindly gave me a demonstration of it in action yesterday afternoon. (ok, perhaps it really was just after the nectar...) A liquid lunch with a back rub thrown in for free. I found this video of the mechanism in action which helps demonstrate: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZGs_s4JkEs&t=16s It appears that the bee can feel the pollen being rubbed on, as it rubs its back with its legs before departing the flower and moving onto the next one.</description></item><item><title /><link>https://community.element14.com/challenges-projects/design-challenges/save-the-bees-design-challenge/b/blog/posts/save-the-bees-design-challenge---finisher-s-prize?CommentId=9233dd45-b4a1-4259-8924-bfda4c837afb</link><pubDate>Sun, 06 Aug 2023 20:14:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:9233dd45-b4a1-4259-8924-bfda4c837afb</guid><dc:creator>beacon_dave</dc:creator><description>A lot can happen in 10 days when you leave it to nature. 4 of the cuttings have now rooted, and 3 have already had to be re-potted to larger pots as their roots were visible through the bottom of the original pot. The 4th has been potted up straight into the larger pot, as it decided to put out roots everywhere. If that's not productive, then one of them is already flowering. ...with a second flower well on its way It's currently pushing that second flower out at a rate of around 1mm per hour. Interesting to note that it appears to have changed its colour scheme a little. A lot more white in the flower compared to the other plants and the flower pods haven't darkened. Not sure if this is nature conserving the 'expensive' purple colouring whilst prioritising rooting and flowering or if it is a permanent change as a result of the cutting. It may also be to do with the reduced sunlight available through the kitchen window. I could end up with bumblebees in the kitchen at this rate. At least I avoid the wind and rain this way</description></item><item><title /><link>https://community.element14.com/challenges-projects/design-challenges/save-the-bees-design-challenge/b/blog/posts/save-the-bees-prizes?CommentId=e0c17665-dd50-4dcc-83d5-27eaf5d351a9</link><pubDate>Tue, 01 Aug 2023 18:38:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:e0c17665-dd50-4dcc-83d5-27eaf5d351a9</guid><dc:creator>DAB</dc:creator><description>Thanks for the kind words Douglas. I always enjoy mentoring people in engineering. Your participation in the community has been phenomenal.</description></item><item><title /><link>https://community.element14.com/challenges-projects/design-challenges/save-the-bees-design-challenge/b/blog/posts/save-the-bees-prizes?CommentId=d0bfe6af-407e-432c-94d5-c41ee75aff25</link><pubDate>Sat, 29 Jul 2023 18:54:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:d0bfe6af-407e-432c-94d5-c41ee75aff25</guid><dc:creator>beacon_dave</dc:creator><description>"...Not sure if there's an ideal height..." I can definitely recommend placing it at camera height. "...Just need some underpants and I can go outside in e14 clothing without being arrested..." Sounds like a good one for a 'wearables' competition...</description></item><item><title /><link>https://community.element14.com/challenges-projects/design-challenges/save-the-bees-design-challenge/b/blog/posts/save-the-bees-prizes?CommentId=e5ab18e5-0f6b-4ce0-85cd-a4e0ad336457</link><pubDate>Sat, 29 Jul 2023 18:28:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:e5ab18e5-0f6b-4ce0-85cd-a4e0ad336457</guid><dc:creator>dougw</dc:creator><description>Thanks Don, ( DAB ) ( I remember when it was not possible to tag your moniker in Jive) Back when I was first starting on element 14, your positive support and encouragement were instrumental in getting me to participate on the forum. That positivity has been one of the constants for everyone on the forum - thanks from us all.</description></item><item><title /><link>https://community.element14.com/challenges-projects/design-challenges/save-the-bees-design-challenge/b/blog/posts/save-the-bees-prizes?CommentId=a69931c4-1623-4a91-95cc-b235e3183a83</link><pubDate>Sat, 29 Jul 2023 18:17:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:a69931c4-1623-4a91-95cc-b235e3183a83</guid><dc:creator>DAB</dc:creator><description>Well earned Douglas, I always follow your projects.</description></item><item><title /><link>https://community.element14.com/challenges-projects/design-challenges/save-the-bees-design-challenge/b/blog/posts/save-the-bees-prizes?CommentId=ac1a90bc-95f1-489b-8cbe-d1e333fbe77a</link><pubDate>Fri, 28 Jul 2023 22:49:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:ac1a90bc-95f1-489b-8cbe-d1e333fbe77a</guid><dc:creator>ntewinkel</dc:creator><description>I saw your video on YT this morning while having breakfast My package arrived later in the day. Naomi took a picture of Christmas in July here Not sure if there's an ideal height or place to hang it, but I've hung up the insect hotel on the North side of the carriage house because there was still a screw there haha. I just realized... I have element14 branded T-shirt, hat, and socks! Just need some underpants and I can go outside in e14 clothing without being arrested</description></item><item><title /><link>https://community.element14.com/challenges-projects/design-challenges/save-the-bees-design-challenge/b/blog/posts/save-the-bees-prizes?CommentId=99946264-bc89-47d6-b127-67144b788584</link><pubDate>Fri, 28 Jul 2023 19:46:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:99946264-bc89-47d6-b127-67144b788584</guid><dc:creator>dougw</dc:creator><description>The Arduino Opla kit is a nicely integrated suite of electronics goodies...</description></item><item><title /><link>https://community.element14.com/challenges-projects/design-challenges/save-the-bees-design-challenge/b/blog/posts/save-the-bees-prizes?CommentId=8d043c3c-ffed-451c-9766-be403c1b1129</link><pubDate>Fri, 28 Jul 2023 15:33:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:8d043c3c-ffed-451c-9766-be403c1b1129</guid><dc:creator>genebren</dc:creator><description>Nice prize pack (finisher and mystery)! Looks like the stuff for some interesting future projects.</description></item><item><title /><link>https://community.element14.com/challenges-projects/design-challenges/save-the-bees-design-challenge/b/blog/posts/save-the-bees-prizes?CommentId=51cedd3b-1c23-4a95-bc4c-8f33426b0c51</link><pubDate>Fri, 28 Jul 2023 13:32:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:51cedd3b-1c23-4a95-bc4c-8f33426b0c51</guid><dc:creator>cstanton</dc:creator><description>As always, you create quite the buzz, thanks Doug</description></item><item><title /><link>https://community.element14.com/challenges-projects/design-challenges/save-the-bees-design-challenge/b/blog/posts/save-the-bees-design-challenge---finisher-s-prize?CommentId=7b32d482-e599-4bf0-b4a8-bef2f509a628</link><pubDate>Fri, 28 Jul 2023 10:33:00 GMT</pubDate><guid isPermaLink="false">93d5dcb4-84c2-446f-b2cb-99731719e767:7b32d482-e599-4bf0-b4a8-bef2f509a628</guid><dc:creator>beacon_dave</dc:creator><description>The TG-6 is still working out well for me. There are a few ergonomic quirks perhaps but its close-up performance runs rings around my previous compacts and it's so much more convenient for spontaneous shots like this, than getting a D-SLR out and fitting extension tubes. The Salvia flowers are much smaller than I had expected but they do have an interesting shape and vivid colours. Convenient landing pad for bees when you see it from side on Not sure what the 'kiss curl' is about though. I'm assuming that the upper bit flops down after pollination to indicate to wildlife that it's now closed for business. The stems and flower pods have an interesting texture as well when viewed close up Apparently they are easy to take cuttings from and it is recommended you do so in case of a harsh winter. They are supposed to be hardy but their roots may still need protection against a hard frost by applying a thick layer of compost to insulate over the winter. I have about eight cuttings saved from the transport damage, so currently seeing if they will root. Unfortunately the two varieties are a bit hard to tell apart from a cutting. I might have to go for random distribution rather than alternating colour. There are a couple of variants similar to the purple one (Amethyst Lips) which might be worth adding to the mix if all goes well. The red one here (Royal Bumble) is a different variety, it's shorter and is supposed to flower later in the year and I was aiming for both a colour changing effect as well as maximising the flowering period for the bees. The purple ones appear to be a little late in flower here but with the hard winter, the warmer spring and the cooler wetter summer, they may be a bit confused. Great news on the Backyard Habitat front. I think I would get away with a sign that just says 'in progress'. I guess that even 30' trees are at 10' and 20' at some stage in their life, so something a bit higher than average probably gets the tick box. It will also have to be considered with the surroundings I would have thought, not all backyard habitats can accommodate a 30' tree yet are still beneficial to the wildlife. Looks like you are well on your way to certification though.</description></item></channel></rss>