Bumble bees are charismatic and 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 Atlas is a public-participation science project aimed at tracking and conserving Minnesota’s bumble bees. Anyone is welcome to participate and contribute to a better understanding of bumble bee needs. The Atlas is a collaboration between the Xerces Society and the University of Minnesota.  

Scientists, like yourself, spread out across Minnesota to survey bumble bees and are asked to report back whatever you find! We offer workshops that provide you with all of the necessary skills, knowledge, and confidence to run surveys independently. Surveys can be run on your own or with a group of people! Survey methods are catch-and-release, so no bees are harmed, and data collection can be done on your phone.