2023 Events
Info Session on Bumble Bee Biology, Ecology, and Conservation
Saturday, April 15, 2023. Time TBD.
Bumble bee biologists from the national Bumble Bee Atlas team will present pertinent background information on bumble bees. Program leaders will discuss how to provide critical aspects of habitat to benefit each stage of the life cycle, whether you have a small porch, or manage several acres. While this webinar is directed toward our Bumble Bee Atlas volunteers, anyone is welcome to join. The webinar will be led by the bumble bee conservation crew at the Xerces Society: Rich Hatfield, Laurie Hamon, Katie Lamke, and Leif Richardson, who will be joined by Dr. Elaine Evans of the University of Minnesota.
Virtual MN Bumble Bee Atlas Volunteer Training
Saturday, May 13, 2023 from 9:30am-12:00pm.
Are you interested in participating in the Midwest Bumble Bee Atlas, or have already adopted a grid cell? Join Elise and Elaine from the MN Bumble Bee Atlas as they gear up for the 2023 survey season! Program leaders will explain the survey process, including essential protocols, how to enter data into bumble bee watch, bumble bee photo tips, what to know about our endangered rusty patched bumble bee, and answer any questions.
MN Bumble Bee Atlas In-Person Training at the Gathering Partners Conference
Saturday, May 20, 2023 from 2:00-4:15pm.
The 2023 Gathering Partners Conference will take place at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Elise and Elaine will lead a session for volunteers. In this workshop, you'll learn everything you need to know to volunteer with the Minnesota Bumble Bee Atlas, including bumble bee natural history, beginning ID and research protocols.
Learn more and register for the Gathering Partners Conference
MN Bumble Bee Atlas In-Person Training in Faribault, MN
Saturday, June 10, 2023 from 9:30am-12:00pm at the Faribault Fairgrounds.
This workshop will train you to ID common bumble bees, safely handle and photograph bees, and record data. We’ll also answer all your burning questions about bumble bees. Weather permitting, we will get outside to find some bees on flowers.
Stay tuned for more in-person field events in mid to late-June!
2022 Events
Midwest Bumble Bee Identification, Ecology, and Conservation
Thursdays, 6:00 to 8:00 pm (CST) May 5, May 12, May 19
This online course is designed for anyone who wants to reliably identify bumble bees to species in the field, including conservation professionals, students performing research on bumble bees, and volunteers who want to take their identification skills to the next level. We will cover 24 common and uncommon bumble bee species including the endangered rusty-patched bumble bee.
Fees: $60 standard, $20 student. If course fees prohibit you from participating, please contact Elaine at evan0155@umn.edu. Also please advice of any different abilities, so we can make sure all class materials are accessible.
Register here to sign up for the class and receive a link to the Zoom meetings
MN Bumble Bee Atlas Volunteer Welcome Event and Q&A
Sunday, May 15 from 9:00am - 11:00am (CST)
Join us for a live online event to get ready for this season of the MN Bumble Bee Atlas project! If you are new to the Bee Atlas program, want to learn more about MN bumble bees, or have questions about signing up, this is a great way to connect with researchers and experienced volunteers.
Fee: free!
Register here to receive a link to the Zoom meeting
MN Bumble Bee Atlas Atlas Training at Gathering Partners Conference
Saturday, May 21 from 1:00pm - 4:00pm (CST)
The 2022 Gathering Partners Conference will take place May 20-22 at Treasure Island Resort & Casino. Gathering Partners is a conference for friends of Minnesota's Natural Resources. Elaine Evans will lead a session on Saturday afternoon. In this workshop, you'll learn everything you need to know to volunteer with the Minnesota Bumble Bee Atlas, including bumble bee natural history, beginning ID and research protocols.
Get more information and register for Gathering Partners
MN Bumble Bee Atlas Volunteer Training
Sunday, June 12 from 10:00am - 12:00pm (CST)
We will host an in-person training to prepare volunteers for the 2022 MN Bumble Bee Atlas data collection season. Program leaders will review the survey process, demonstrate the steps to enter your data into the atlas, and answer questions. We will also give additional instruction on the special care needed to survey in grids that contain currently known endangered rusty patched bumble bee zones. Surveys will begin in mid-June, so this is a great way to make sure you are ready!
Fee: free!
Register here to receive directions to the training.
Planting to Provide Food and Habitat for Native Bees
Sunday, July 17 from 11:00am - 12:30pm (CST)
Thea Evans will lead participants through the pollinator demonstration garden outside the Bee Laboratory. She will identify native pollinators and signs of nesting bee habitat, as well as dive into the details of maintaining a pollinator garden.
Fee: $30 ($55 to attend both workshops on July 17)
Register here for the workshop
Bumble Bee Identification In-person Workshop
Sunday, July 17 from 1:30pm - 3:30pm (CST)
In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn to identify bumble bees to species in the field. This course is for conservation professionals, students performing research on bumble bees, and volunteers who want to take their identification skills to the next level.
Fee: $30 ($55 to attend both workshops on July 17)
Register here for the workshop
To receive updates on future events, please make sure you are signed up on our mailing list.
Ready to get started now? Head over to our Online Training Portal to watch the last year's recorded workshop and view the Training Packet.