| Bumble bees are charismatic, easily recognizable pollinators thanks to their large size, loud buzz, and distinctive color patterns. They play an incredibly important role in sustaining the health of our environment by pollinating flowers in natural and urban areas and by contributing to successful harvests on farms. The western and mountain regions of North America boast some of the highest diversity of bumble bees, making this a fun place to learn about and study them. Unfortunately, like many other insects and pollinators, 25% of North American bumble bee species have been experiencing population declines in past decades. We want to help our bumble bees by learning more about where they are, the types of habitats they’re using, and the flowers they’re relying on. By gathering these data we can help guide future conservation efforts.
Anyone can help bumble bees by joining the Mountain States Bumble Bee Atlas as a community scientist! Atlas volunteers are trained to catch, photograph, and release bumble bees; conduct habitat surveys; and upload data to Bumble Bee Watch, our online data platform. These volunteer efforts will help scientists map data about our native bumble bees in order to prioritize on-the-ground conservation actions.
If you’re interested in learning more about this community science effort and becoming an Atlas volunteer, you’re invited to the Mountain States Bumble Bee Atlas workshop at the Berry Biodiversity Center on the University of Wyoming campus in Laramie. You’ll learn about the diversity of bumble bees, their unique life cycle, and the fascinating adaptations that make them such good pollinators. We’ll discuss causes of pollinator declines and what anyone can do to help. Most importantly, you’ll learn Atlas protocols and have a chance to practice netting and photographing bumble bees while getting all your questions answered.
Learn more at bumblebeeatlas.org/pages/mountain-states.
What to Bring
- Please bring any materials you need for taking notes, as well as water, snacks, and any other personal care items.
- Be sure to have sturdy shoes and sun protection for our time outside.
- Handouts will be available for participants.
- Survey equipment (nets, vials, cooler) will be available to use.
- If possible, bring a camera or cell phone to practice bumble bee pictures!
Tentative Agenda
- 1:00 – 2:00 PM: Bumble bee ecology and conservation
- 2:00 – 3:00 PM: How to join the Bumble Bee Atlas A to Z
- 3:00 – 4:00 PM: Hands-on practice of Atlas protocols in the pollinator gardens
Instructors Amy Dolan, Endangered Species Conservation Biologist, Mountain States Bumble Bee Atlas, the Xerces Society Amy joined Xerces in June 2024 to coordinate the Mountain States Bumble Bee Atlas in Colorado, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming. The goal of the project is to engage with agency partners and community scientists to gather data on bumble bee distribution and habitat needs across the region. Amy has a bachelor's degree in biology from Wisconsin Lutheran College and a master’s degree in entomology from Montana State University. Her masters project was “The Bumble Bees of Montana.” Much of Amy’s career has been spent in education—as a middle and high school science teacher, outdoor educator, and youth crew leader. She is excited to explore the diverse landscapes of the mountain states while connecting with new people and sharing her love of bumble bees.
Partners This workshop is a collaboration between the Xerces Society of Invertebrate Conservation and the University of Wyoming Biodiversity Institute and is supported by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. |
