
Events
February
24-26
Best Practices for Pollinators Summit
Join us for three days of live presentations with a wealth of experts and topics on ecologically sound land practices that promote pollinators, climate resilience, clean water and lands. Summit topics provide practical knowledge and innovation on pesticide reduction, habitat installation, pollinator biology, ecologically sound land stewardship practices, wildlife conservation and more.

March
9-13

The deadline to apply is January 26, 2026. Your application will be reviewed and you will receive an email with more information including a registration link by January 30, 2026.
Midwest Bee Genus Identification Workshop
University of Minnesota Bee Lab and Minnesota Department of Natural Resources are hosting a Midwest bee genus identification workshop. This five-day workshop that will be held at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities is from March 9-13, 2026 and taught by Dr. Zach Portman. The cost will be $550. Reach out directly if the cost is a concern.
Goals:
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Be able to identify midwestern bees to genus and a select few to species
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Learn about helpful resources and keys for bee identification
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Basic understanding of bee classification, nomenclature, general bee morphology, and proper bee specimen curation
Explore Bee Families

Apidae
15 genera, 133 species
Bumble bees Bombus
Longhorn bees
Epimelissodes, Eucera, Melissodes
Carpenter bees
Ceratina, Xylocopa
Honey bees Apis
Digger bees Anthophora
Cuckoo bees Brachymelecta, Epeolus, Holcopasites, Nomada, Neolarra, Triepeolus
Squash bees Xenoglossa

2 genera, 39 species
Halictidae
10 genera, 134 species
Metallic green sweat bees
Agapostemon, Augochlora, Augochlorella, Augochloropsis
Large sweat bees
Dieunomia, Nomia
Short-faced bees Dufourea
Sweat bees Halictus
Small sweat bees Lasioglossum
Cuckoo (blood) bees Sphecodes
Megachilidae
14 genera, 86 species
Resin and pebble bees Anthidiellum, Dianthidium, Heriades, Paranthidium
Carder bees Anthidium, Pseudoanthidium
Mock orange bees Chelostoma
Mason bees Osmia, Hoplitis
Leafcutter bees Megachile
Sharp-tailed cuckoo bees Coelioxys
Dark cuckoo bees Stelis














