Dakota County Parks

General Description

Pollinators play an important role in our ecosystems. They are vital because they provide many ecosystem services, like pollinating native plants and food crops. There are 23 native bumble bee species in Minnesota. However, some species are in decline due to the destruction of native habitat, which is necessary for foraging and nesting. In order to conserve bumble bees and the habitat they depend on, we need to learn more about our local bees!

The Minnesota Bumblebee Survey has worked to document long-term trends in bumblebee populations and monitor declining species in the Twin Cities. During the survey, learn how to capture bees while they forage on flowers and help county staff identify species. This survey event will give us a better understanding of pollinator populations related to the types of plants in our area and give us useful data that will help us conserve bumblebee and other pollinator populations and the habitats they depend on. 

Location

Lebanon Hills Regional Park - Equestrian Trailhead

800 120th Street West

Eagan, MN 55123

(Map and Driving Directions)

Dates & Times - 2025 Survey Season

June 18

July 26

August 12

August 26

All surveys will be from 10:00 a.m. - Noon. You do not need to attend each event to participate in this opportunity. Register to come as often as your schedule allows throughout the survey season.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Help collect information about our local bumblebee populations during the event. 
• All training and supplies will be provided. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Ages 5 and up are welcomed with an adult present.
• If you are allergic to bees or insect bites or stings, please sit this one out.
• Must be comfortable with working in an outside environment.  

Age Requirements 

All ages are welcomed to attend but we do encourage participants to be at least 5 years old or older to properly enjoy the event. If minors want to volunteer by themselves, they need to be 16 years old or older. 

Minimum Time Commitment

2 hours per survey. There is no minimum for attendance, come to as many surveys as you want to. 

Activity Level

Moderate - To fully participate may require leisurely walking over primarily even surfaces.  There may be a limited number of steps, a minimal amount of uneven surfaces, and some standing for extended periods of time. Comfortable shoes recommended.

DISCLAIMER: If you are allergic to bees or other insect bites or stings, please do not sign up for this opportunity. 

Contact Information

Garrett Zaffke | Community Relations and Volunteer Services Coordinator

Dakota County Communications

1590 Highway 55| Hastings, MN 55033

Direct: (651) 438-4635 | Fax: (651) 438-4405 | Email: garrett.zaffke@co.dakota.mn.us