Frequently Asked Questions

What are bumble bees and why are you focusing on them?
Bumble bees are native to North America (unlike the European honey bee) and provide essential ecosystem services, such as pollination. There are nearly 50 species of bumble bees in North America, and they're fairly recognizable due to their large size, furry bodies, and black and yellow stripes.  Learn more at Bumble Bee Watch.

A recent study led by the IUCN Bumble Bee Specialist Group, supported by studies led by Dr. Sydney Cameron, and a status review by the late Dr. Robbin Thorp and the Xerces Society, demonstrate that several of North America's nearly fifty species of bumble bees are undergoing dramatic population declines. Two species, Franklin’s bumble bee (Bombus franklini) and the rusty-patched bumble bee (B. affinis), may already be on the brink of extinction. 
what is Community science?
Community science is a collaboration between professional scientists and members of the general public involving the collection and analysis of data relating to the natural world. Community science provides tremendous value to professional scientists, while also engaging enthusiasts in scientific subject matter.
why are you using community science?
Because the state of Nebraska is large, rural and wild, professional scientists can only reach so many places. But, with your help we can recruit an army of trained volunteers armed equipped with simple tools and knowledge to collect data. Then, we can cover the entire state quickly, collect scientific quality data, and contribute to the global understanding of bumble bee distributions.
how do i get involved?
  • At a very basic level you can submit observations of bumble bees to BumbleBeeWatch.org. You can share observations from your backyard, where you work, or on your travels around the region.
  • If you are interested in getting more involved you can officially adopt a grid cell and participate in our more formal surveys. This takes a commitment to contribute to the project over the next couple of years. At a minimum you'll need to:
  • If all of this sounds great, and you're ready to do all of this AND become a project ambassador, contact us!
is this appropriate for families?
Yes! We think that most anyone can get involved! You need to decide what level of participation is right for your situation.
can schools and/or classrooms participate?
Sure! We'd love to have the help of schools throughout the region. Teachers, or schools may consider adopting the grid cell in which their school resides, or carry out surveys as a field trip. The only challenge is timing- bumble bee surveys take place largely in June, July and August when most schools are on break. However, surveys during early June or late August/early September would still work!
can my group/organization adopt a block of grid cells?
Absolutely, please contact us and we can help make this happen.
will i get stung?
To be honest, you might, but the chances are pretty low. Bumble bees are docile creatures - especially when visiting flowers - and only sting when they feel threatened. You are most likely to get stung if you are trying to capture bumble bees into a vial either from a net, or directly from flowers. But even then, when done calmly and correctly your chances of getting stung are low. This is one of the reasons that we suggest you attend a training. At the training events you'll learn practical techniques and best practices. If you are allergic to bumble bee stings, or suspect that you may be, we recommend that you take necessary safety precautions to protect yourself and consult with a physician- your safety should come first.
DO I HAVE TO SURVEY THE ENTIRE GRID cell i adopt?
No, that would be too much to ask as the the grid cells are very large and varied. The idea is that a volunteer will sample AT LEAST one location at two different times during the year - OR - two different locations within their grid at the same time of year. Anything above and beyond that would be great, but is not ​necessary.
other questions?
All photography by The Xerces Society, unless otherwise noted.