Iowa DNR needs your help saving the bumble bee population this summer

Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez, Des Moines Register

Iowa bumble bees face an uncertain future, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

The DNR is partnering with Iowa State University and The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation to launch the Iowa Bumble Bee Atlas. The atlas is a region-wide community science project aimed at tracking and conserving Iowa's native bumble bees.

How does the Bumble Bee Atlas work?

Anyone can be a community scientist this summer and spread out across the state to survey bumble bees and share their findings.

The Iowa DNR offers workshops online to train Iowans to conduct their own surveys as a community scientists. Survey methods are catch-and-release, so no bees are harmed.

Why is the Iowa DNR concerned about bumble bees?

A bumblebee forages flowers.
A bumblebee forages flowers.

Iowa DNR says that bumble bees play an important role in sustaining the health of our environment by pollinating flowers in both natural and urban areas. They also contribute to successful harvests on farms.

But, many bumble bee species are declining. Iowa is home to 14-16 different species of bumble bees, six of which are in decline.​

How can I learn how to conduct a bumble bee survey?

Iowa's first field season with the Bumble Bee Atlast starts on June 1. Iowa DNR recommends doing these steps in the spring to prepare for the season:

  • Sign up for upcoming webinars: Each spring, Bumble Bee Atlas coordinators hold a two-part online workshop to train and inform participants. You can visit www.bumblebeeatlas.org/iowabba to find links to register.

  • Sign up for Bumble Bee Watch. BumbleBeeWatch.org is an online platform that allows people to share their bumble bee photos from the U.S. and Canada. Iowa DNR will use this platform to collect observations gathered during the Atlas, so each Atlas participant will need to create a free Bumble Bee Watch account (and make note of your username so you can officially sign up for the atlas).

  • Follow on social media: Connect with other participants and stay-up-to-date on events by following the Bumble Bee Atlas on Instagram, @bumblebeeatlas, or join the regional Facebook group.

Victoria Reyna-Rodriguez is a general assignment reporter for the Register. Reach her at vreynarodriguez@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter @VictoriaReynaR.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa DNR, Bumble Bee Atlas to track bees. How you can help.

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