OutdoorNebraska

6 The Bumble Bee Atlas By Katie Lamke, The Xerces Society Shows Support for its Development A ll across Nebraska there is a growing community of pollinator conservation enthusiasts who are taking action to protect our state's native bumble bees; you can be one of them. In June 2019, the Nebraska Environmental Trust provided support for the Xerces Society and the University of Nebraska- Lincoln to launch the Nebraska Bumble Bee Atlas. The Atlas is a statewide community science project aimed at engaging everyone in bumble bee conservation. Bumble bees are charismatic and easily recognizable pollinators thanks to their large size, loud buzz, and distinctive color patterns of black and yellow, though often red, orange, or white. They play an incredibly important role in sustaining the health of our environment by pollinating flowers in natural and urban areas, and by contributing to successful harvests on farms. However, many of our bumble bees are in trouble and face an uncertain future. Nebraska has about 20 different bumble bee species, four of which have been identified as Species of Greatest Conservation Need by Nebraska Game and Parks Commission. Unfortunately, bumble bees are in trouble across much of North America. A recent study led by the International Union on Conservation of Nature's Bumble Bee Specialist Group demonstrated that one quarter of North America's nearly 50 species of bumble bees are undergoing dramatic population declines. The causes of these declines are not fully understood, but the following likely contribute to the situation: habitat degradation, pesticide use, climate change, low genetic diversity, and the introduction and distribution of pathogens through commercial pollinators. Regardless of the ultimate cause of bumble bee declines, protecting and managing existing habitat or creating new habitat are the most immediate and productive steps that can be taken to conserve these important pollinators. The Nebraska Bumble Bee Atlas is working to gather information about our bumble bees so that we can develop evidence-based recommendations on what makes the best habitat for ALL species, and especially those of Greatest Conservation Need. Atlas participants, including landowners, agencies, scientists, and community scientists like you, are spreading out across the state to collect information about bumble bees. As a result of our effort, a valuable database is growing that will help conservation biologists, restoration practitioners, and policy makers do a better job protecting, restoring, and managing effective habitat to support healthy bumble bee populations. To ensure that everyone who wants to participate can, we offer educational workshops, both in-person and online, to help you develop the skills and confidence you will need to conduct your own bumble bee surveys. The workshops include information on bumble bee biology, conservation, and species identification, as well as a hands-on experience to practice our catch-and-release system, photographing bees, and filling out data sheets. Our 2019 workshops were a huge success, and we hope you will join us in 2020 to help us meet our goals! During our first season, between June and September 2019, community scientists surveyed much of the eastern third of Nebraska, collecting valuable habitat information and observed 670 bumble bees! As the 2020 survey season approaches, our goal is to extend 2019's effort into central and western Nebraska. With your help, we can quickly cover the entire state, collect scientific-quality data, and contribute to bumble bee conservation. To learn more about the Atlas, find events near you, or join our Facebook group, visit www.NebraskaBumbleBeeAtlas.org. ✔ In recent years, the Southern Plains Bumble Bee (Bombus fraternus) has displayed an alarming range decrease. Community scientists learn how to photograph and identify bumble bees during the hands-on portion of an Atlas workshop. All surveys are catch-and-release, and no bees are harmed. Atlas coordinator, Katie Lamke, assists a community scientist in collecting a bumble bee. After the bee is collected, it will be chilled, photographed and released unharmed. PHOTO BY KATIE LAMKE PHOTO BY KAT SCHOLL

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