Training Opportunities
Participants in the Iowa Bumble Bee Atlas are required to attend one training event prior to starting data collection. Training can be completed online through the Online Training Portal or by attending the 2-part workshop series (see below). We invite participants to attend one of our field day events, which are not required but offer an opportunity to interact with other volunteers, practice survey techniques, and learn more about bumble bees.
Online Training Portal
Live Events
Workshops
Workshops are open to anyone interested in the project and will provide an in-depth look at the world of bumble bees as well as the details for how to participate in the Iowa Bumble Bee Atlas. After attending a workshop, participants will be well equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to be successful. If you are brand new to the Atlas, please join our mailing list to be notified when registration opens, or head over to the Online Training portal to watch the recordings and view the training packet.
PART ONE: Ecology and Conservation of Bumble Bees for Atlas Volunteers
Saturday, April 15, 2023
This 2-hour webinar discusses bumble bee ecology, how that interacts with ongoing conservation issues, and what we can all do to help. Beyond participating in our Bumble Bee Atlas projects, protecting, creating, and restoring habitat is the key. We’ll discuss how to provide habitat to benefit each stage of the life cycle, whether you have a small porch, or manage several acres.
The webinar was 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.
Workshops are open to anyone interested in the project and will provide an in-depth look at the world of bumble bees as well as the details for how to participate in the Iowa Bumble Bee Atlas. After attending a workshop, participants will be well equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to be successful. If you are brand new to the Atlas, please join our mailing list to be notified when registration opens, or head over to the Online Training portal to watch the recordings and view the training packet.
PART ONE: Ecology and Conservation of Bumble Bees for Atlas Volunteers
Saturday, April 15, 2023
This 2-hour webinar discusses bumble bee ecology, how that interacts with ongoing conservation issues, and what we can all do to help. Beyond participating in our Bumble Bee Atlas projects, protecting, creating, and restoring habitat is the key. We’ll discuss how to provide habitat to benefit each stage of the life cycle, whether you have a small porch, or manage several acres.
The webinar was 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.
PART TWO: Survey Protocol and Regional Bumble Bee Identification
To be announced
This 1.5hr webinar will prepare community scientists to participate in the Iowa Bumble Bee Atlas. The training will provide clear guidance on how to conduct your own survey, where and when to survey, what supplies you'll need, and how to submit your data. We will also cover identification of the common bumble bee species you'll encounter in the field. This webinar is intended for new volunteers, or people interested in joining—please share the event with your friends or clubs!
To be announced
This 1.5hr webinar will prepare community scientists to participate in the Iowa Bumble Bee Atlas. The training will provide clear guidance on how to conduct your own survey, where and when to survey, what supplies you'll need, and how to submit your data. We will also cover identification of the common bumble bee species you'll encounter in the field. This webinar is intended for new volunteers, or people interested in joining—please share the event with your friends or clubs!
Field Days
In addition to workshops, we will host a series of outdoor field days for participants to gain hands-on experience alongside project leaders. These events are a great way to learn how to use your insect net, collect data according to project methods, identify the bumble bees, connect with fellow volunteers, and get any lingering questions answered!
Please attend the online workshop or review the recording if you wish to attend a field day. Field days are limited to 20 people per event (first-come, first-served basis).
2023 dates will be announced soon!
In addition to workshops, we will host a series of outdoor field days for participants to gain hands-on experience alongside project leaders. These events are a great way to learn how to use your insect net, collect data according to project methods, identify the bumble bees, connect with fellow volunteers, and get any lingering questions answered!
Please attend the online workshop or review the recording if you wish to attend a field day. Field days are limited to 20 people per event (first-come, first-served basis).
2023 dates will be announced soon!
Atlas Survey Blitz
These events are targeted survey dates for all Bumble Bee Atlas participants—including those in Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, Oregon, Idaho, Washington, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee—to work collaboratively! To participate, visit your grid cell on one (or all!) of the listed dates, conduct a survey, and submit your data within 7 days of the Blitz. We will be sharing results from each of the Blitz weekends for each state. Participation is optional, but encouraged.
2023 dates coming soon!
These events are targeted survey dates for all Bumble Bee Atlas participants—including those in Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, Oregon, Idaho, Washington, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee—to work collaboratively! To participate, visit your grid cell on one (or all!) of the listed dates, conduct a survey, and submit your data within 7 days of the Blitz. We will be sharing results from each of the Blitz weekends for each state. Participation is optional, but encouraged.
2023 dates coming soon!
Other Training Resources
Tips for Handling Bees
The video linked below provides a useful overview on netting and handling bumble bees.
The video linked below provides a useful overview on netting and handling bumble bees.
|
|
Tips for Photographing Bees
Please see the link below for in-depth guidance on photographing bumble bees.
Please see the link below for in-depth guidance on photographing bumble bees.