APRIL 24, 2024 |
Photo – Western Bumble Bee – Courtesy Xerces Society by Rich Hatfield
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is encouraging Wyoming residents across the state to get involved in a citizen science effort aimed at sustaining an essential pollinator — bumble bees.
The Mountain States Bumble Bee Atlas (Atlas) is looking for volunteers to track and record observations in specific survey areas to help build a regional database for native bumble bee conservation efforts. The BLM wrote that the collected data will be used to help researchers track species populations and protect critical habitat.
“Bumble bees are vital pollinators for Wyoming’s wild landscapes, agriculture and gardens,” the BLM wrote in a statement. Many native species are facing population declines due to habitat loss. The federal agency blames climate change and pesticide use. By volunteering with the Mountain States Bumble Bee Atlas, states residents can play an active role in supporting pollinator health.
According to the BLM, participants will receive free training, adopt a survey area (“grid cell”) and collect valuable data that will support critical conservation efforts.
In a news release, BLM says prior experience is not necessary — “just a love for wildlife and a spirit of exploration.”
Wyoming has 96 survey grid cells available for adoption. Volunteers must complete at least two surveys during the summer field season.
Volunteers can choose from several training options, including reading the participant handbook, attending or viewing the Mountain States Atlas on-line Webinars and participating in in-person training workshops.
A free-online webinar Wednesday evening provided an overview of the project, survey protocols and tips for successful participation. A recording of the webinar is available.
The mountain states of Colorado, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming are considered a hotspot for bumble bee diversity because of the large area, diverse ecosystems, and an overlap of “eastern” and “western” bumble bee species ranges.
Registration and full training materials are available at www.bumblebeeatlas.org/pages/mountain-states.
For questions about volunteering in Wyoming, email Amy Dolan, Mountain States Bumble Bee Atlas coordinator, at amy.dolan@xerces.org.
