Dakota County Parks

General Description

What is Bumble Bee Watch?

Bumble Bee Watch is a collaborative effort to track and conserve North America’s bumble bees. This citizen science project allows for individuals to:

• Upload photos of bumble bees to start a virtual bumble bee collection;
• Identify the bumble bees in your photos and have your identifications verified by experts;
• Help researchers determine the status and conservation needs of bumble bees;
• Help locate rare or endangered populations of bumble bees;
• Learn about bumble bees, their ecology, and ongoing conservation efforts; and
• Connect with other citizen scientists.

How can you participate?

Because these animals are widely distributed the best way to keep track of them is with an army of volunteers across the country armed with cameras. With any luck, you might help us to find remnant populations of rare species before they go extinct. We will be helping the national program by focusing our efforts in Lebanon Hills Regional Park to give a local update of the bee population in Dakota County. Have fun while learning more about bumble bees and the vital role they play in our environment

Location

Spring Lake Park Gathering Center

8395 127th Street East

Hastings, MN 55033

(Driving directions)

Date/Time

Aug. 15^th

6pm-8pm

Duties & Responsibilities

Working as a team, collect and report on captured bumble bees

Minimum Qualifications

No training or experience necessary,

All ages welcome (with adult supervision if you are under 16)

*If you are allergic to bee stings, please sit this one out

Minimum Time Commitment

2 hours

Activity Level

Medium - May involve varying amounts of activity (long walks, rough terrain, and moderate physical exertion. May not be recommended for volunteers with physical limitations. Comfortable, sturdy shoes recommended.

Contact Information

Garrett Zaffke

County Volunteer Coordinator

651-438-4635

Garrett.zaffke@co.dakota.mn.us