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:

Be able to identify midwestern bees to genus and a select few to species
Learn about helpful resources and keys for bee identification
Basic understanding of bee classification, nomenclature, general bee morphology, and proper bee specimen curation

April-May

April 27, May 4, May 11, 5-7 pm

Midwest Bumble Bee Identification Workshop

This course focuses on identification of the 25 species of bumble bees that are/were here in the Upper Midwest with a focus on regional color morphs.

The course is available asynchronously online, so can be gone through at your own pace anytime. We supplement online materials with monthly live on-line Q and A sessions where you can bring photos or any bumble bee questions you have. Our topics range widely, from IDs to photo tips to latest research updates.

We will also cover all materials for the course during live on-line sessions.