Welcome to the Online Training Portal! Below you will find a downloadable zip file that contains PDF's of the participant handbook, the bumble bee identification guide, data sheets, and a supply list. After downloading, right click on the file to "unzip" the folder. Then, using the materials inside, work your way through the series of video modules to prepare yourself for the upcoming survey season. 

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Start by downloading the training materials:

Download Materials

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Begin video training:

Module 1:
​Introduction to the Nebraska Bumble Bee Atlas

This video will provide you with an overview of the importance of pollinators, wild bee diversity, and explains why the NE Bumble Bee Atlas is necessary component of conservation.
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Presented by: Katie Lamke / Xerces Society

Module 2:
​Bumble Bee Value, Status, Ecology and Conservation

Module 2 dives into the world of bumble bees, and covers topics such as biology, ecology, behavior, threats affecting their decline, conservation efforts and more! 
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Presented by: Jennifer Hopwood / Xerces Society

Module 3, Part 1:
​Introduction to Bumble Bee Identification

Module 3, Part 1, walks you through the step-by-step process of identifying a bumble bee. We start with a determining if the insect is a bee or fly, then cover bumble bee look-a-likes, and end with identifying bumble bee species.
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Presented by: Katie Lamke / Xerces Society

Module 3, Part 2a:
​Identification of Bumble Bees in Eastern Nebraska

Module 3, Part 2, details the bumble bee species commonly found in eastern Nebraska. For each species, we highlight key characteristics for identifying, show images, US and Nebraska range maps, and compare similar species.
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Presented by: Doug Golick / University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Module 3, Part 2b:
Identification of Bumble Bees in Nebraska

Module 3, Part 3, details all 20 species that occur in Nebraska, including common and uncommon bumble bees, as well as species you may encounter if sampling near the borders of Nebraska. For each species, we highlight key characteristics for identifying, show images, US and Nebraska range maps, and compare similar species.
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Presented by: Katie Lamke / Xerces Society

Module 4:
​How to Participate in the Nebraska Bumble Bee Atlas

Module 4 goes into depth on how to participate in the Atlas. We describe the different survey methods, how to collect and photograph bees, filling out data sheets, and how to submit your data. 
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Presented by: Katie Lamke / Xerces Society

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Test Your Knowledge:

Quiz 1: Bumble Bee Anatomy

Quiz 2: Bumble Bee Caste System (Queens, Workers and Males)

Quiz 3: Bumble Bee Identification