Events
March
10-14
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 10-14, 2025 and taught by Dr. Zach Portman. The cost will be $600. Reach out directly if the cost is a concern. Space is limited so those who are interested will need to complete an application form. Priority will be given to those who need to identify Midwest native bees for research or management.
April
2nd
5:00 to 7:00 pm
Midwest Bumble Bee ID Live Session
Are you curious about which bumble bees you are seeing? Bumble bees are one of the few groups of native bees where most species can be identified on the wing without need of a microscope. The Bee Lab is offering an asynchronous online course where you can learn features to distinguish the 25 different bumble bees found in MN. You can work through materials online at your own pace, or join Zach Portman and Elaine Evans for live virtual sessions.
April
9th
5:00 to 7:00 pm
Midwest Bumble Bee ID Live Session
Are you curious about which bumble bees you are seeing? Bumble bees are one of the few groups of native bees where most species can be identified on the wing without need of a microscope. The Bee Lab is offering an asynchronous online course where you can learn features to distinguish the 25 different bumble bees found in MN. You can work through materials online at your own pace, or join Zach Portman and Elaine Evans for live virtual sessions.
April
16th
5:00 to 7:00 pm
Midwest Bumble Bee ID Live Session
Are you curious about which bumble bees you are seeing? Bumble bees are one of the few groups of native bees where most species can be identified on the wing without need of a microscope. The Bee Lab is offering an asynchronous online course where you can learn features to distinguish the 25 different bumble bees found in MN. You can work through materials online at your own pace, or join Zach Portman and Elaine Evans for live virtual sessions.
April
19th
2:00 to 3:30 pm
Bumble Bee Atlas Webinar
We are looking for volunteers to adopt grids and survey for bumble bees. Step one of training is attending (or watching) the Ecology and Conservation of Bumble Bees webinar on April 19 from 2:00 to 3:30 pm. Registration is required to attend or to access the webinar afterwards.
May
10th
10 am to 12 pm
Bumble Bee Atlas Protocols Webinar
This 2-hour workshop will prepare community scientists to participate in the Minnesota Bumble Bee Atlas and Iowa Bumble Bee Atlas projects in 2025. During this training, we will provide clear guidance on how to participate in the Atlas and discuss priorities for the 2025 field season. The training will cover how to conduct your own survey, where and when to survey, what supplies you'll need, and how to submit your data. We will also discuss how to differentiate bumble bees from the other insects you'll encounter in the field. Registration required.
Questions? Please contact mnbumblebees@xerces.org
June
3rd
5:30 to 7:00 pm
Join the Nest Quest!
Help us learn more about bumble bee nesting habitats by volunteering for Nest Quest! Volunteers will attend training, adopt a study site, and spend 1 hour every other week conducting slow walks through natural areas, looking for bumble bee nests. We are hosting a virtual training event on June 3 from 5:30 to 7 pm. Registration is required.
July
24th
5:00 to 8:00 pm
2025 Pollinator Party
Join us for the Pollinator Party at Lyndale Park Gardens on the east side of Lake Harriet. The Pollinator Party brings together bees, scientists, beekeepers, food and live music. This annual free event also provides an opportunity for people of all ages to celebrate the life and work of honey bees and native bees.
Participatory Science Opportunities
