Volunteers Needed for the Statewide Minnesota Bumble Bee Survey
The article discusses the importance of the Minnesota Bumble Bee Atlas, a citizen science initiative aimed at gathering data on bumble bee populations across the state. The initiative is crucial for understanding and conserving bumble bees, including endangered species like the rusty patched bumble bee, which is Minnesota's state bee.
Purpose of the Minnesota Bumble Bee Atlas
- The Minnesota Bumble Bee Atlas is a citizen science project designed to collect data on bumble bee populations statewide.
- It is affiliated with the Xerces Society national data collection effort and aims to document various bumble bee species and their distributions.
Role of Volunteers
- Volunteers are trained to capture, identify, document, and release bumble bees using established scientific protocols.
- The project relies on volunteers to conduct surveys across designated grids throughout Minnesota.
Achievements and Discoveries
- Since its inception, the Atlas has contributed to identifying new bumble bee species in Minnesota.
- Volunteers have rediscovered species that haven’t been documented in the state for decades.
- The project has expanded from the Twin Cities to cover the entire state, but some areas, especially in the western and northern parts, lack sufficient survey coverage due to a shortage of volunteers.
Impact and Importance
- Understanding the distribution of bumble bee species is crucial for conservation efforts and understanding their habitat needs.
- The data collected helps researchers make connections between bumble bees and the habitats they depend on.
Community Engagement and Motivation
- Volunteers like Karen Kaehler are motivated by their passion for bees and their desire to contribute to scientific research.
- Participating in the Atlas has deepened their appreciation for bees and their ecological role.
Conclusion
The article concludes by calling for more volunteers to join the Minnesota Bumble Bee Atlas to help expand survey coverage across the state. It highlights the importance of citizen science in contributing valuable data for the conservation and protection of bumble bees.
