Bumble Bee Atlas Handbook and Survey Materials:
Participant Handbook
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Bumble Bee Identification Guide
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Bumble Bee Survey Data Sheet
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Habitat Assessment Form
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MDC Volunteer Agreement
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Car Placard
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Bumble Bee Identification:
Plant Identification:
1. Missouri Wildflowers by Missouri Dept. of Conservation
2. Shrubs & Woody Vines of Missouri by Missouri Dept. of Conservation
3. Missouri Wildflowers & Grasses (online resource)
4. Missouri Weed ID Guide (Online, Android or Apple) by University of Missouri
5. iNaturalist Mobile App for Android or Apple
2. Shrubs & Woody Vines of Missouri by Missouri Dept. of Conservation
3. Missouri Wildflowers & Grasses (online resource)
4. Missouri Weed ID Guide (Online, Android or Apple) by University of Missouri
5. iNaturalist Mobile App for Android or Apple
Survey Location and Weather Resources:
1. Google Map of grid cells
2. Map of Missouri's Dept. of Conservation Land
6. Weather apps are very practical to have on your smart device when conducting a survey, though it is possible to find weather information elsewhere.
7. Keep an eye on road conditions when planning a trip to your survey location.
2. Map of Missouri's Dept. of Conservation Land
- Please note: To survey on MDC lands, you must attend one Atlas training, sign MDC's volunteer agreement and return it to the Area Manager (search for contact by county) who oversees your intended survey location. If you need help with this, please reach out to mobumblebees@xerces.org.
- Please note: To survey on MPC lands, you must contact the foundation prior to ask permission.
- This is especially helpful if you are surveying on US Forest Service property such as Mark Twain National Forest. This app will show you which roads are legal to drive on within the forest, you are free to walk anywhere. 4WD is needed for most USFS roads.
6. Weather apps are very practical to have on your smart device when conducting a survey, though it is possible to find weather information elsewhere.
7. Keep an eye on road conditions when planning a trip to your survey location.
Collecting Supplies:
1. Nets: Home Science Tools or Forestry Suppliers offer nice affordable nets, or search the internet for "aerial insect net"
2. Vials: We like to use 50ml plastic vials, because they are light weight, small, and chill relatively quickly, making them ideal for survey trips. However, many items that are easily found around the house can work for this purpose, such as empty jars or containers, just make sure they are thoroughly washed.
3. Camera: The best type of camera for surveys are digital cameras that have a macro setting, and there are many to choose from! We like to use the Olympic TG-6 mainly because it has an amazing macro setting, GPS capabilities, and has immense durability for use in the field. Smartphones work well if your camera remains focused as you zoom, and if desired, you can easily enhance your smartphone photos by purchasing a macro lens attachment. These lens attachments are relatively easy to find on the internet, be sure it is a macro lens that fits your phone model.
2. Vials: We like to use 50ml plastic vials, because they are light weight, small, and chill relatively quickly, making them ideal for survey trips. However, many items that are easily found around the house can work for this purpose, such as empty jars or containers, just make sure they are thoroughly washed.
3. Camera: The best type of camera for surveys are digital cameras that have a macro setting, and there are many to choose from! We like to use the Olympic TG-6 mainly because it has an amazing macro setting, GPS capabilities, and has immense durability for use in the field. Smartphones work well if your camera remains focused as you zoom, and if desired, you can easily enhance your smartphone photos by purchasing a macro lens attachment. These lens attachments are relatively easy to find on the internet, be sure it is a macro lens that fits your phone model.
Get Connected with Other Volunteers:
Join the other Atlas volunteers in a Missouri-specific Facebook group OR the regional Midwest Facebook group! These are spaces for people to interact, share photos or experiences, and ask questions. You can also follow along with the project on Instagram (@bumblebeeatlas) and Twitter (@bumblebeeatlas).
Bumble Bee Conservation Resources:
Conserving Bumble Bees: Guidelines for Creating and Managing Habitat
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Bumble Bee Conservation Brochure
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General Pollinator Habitat Resources:
Attracting Native Pollinators
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100 Plants to Feed the Bees
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Farming with Native Beneficial Insects
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Pollinator Plant List: Midwest Region
Establishing Pollinator Meadows from Seed
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Protecting Pollinators at Home
Maintaining Diverse Stands of Wildflowers Planted for Pollinators
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Bring Back the Pollinators
Rangeland Management and Pollinators: A Guide for Producers in the Great Plains
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For further habitat information and webinars see the Habitat Guidance page under the Resources tab.
Become a Xerces Society Member
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The Xerces Society is a science-based conservation organization that promotes pollinator health, endangered species conservation, and pesticide-free habitat. Your gift will help us to protect the life that sustains us.
Member benefits include an annual subscription to Wings: Essays on Invertebrate Conservation, access to popular books and publications in our online gift center, updates on the latest news on invertebrate conservation, and our deepest gratitude for believing in our mission. Support the Xerces Society Thank you! The Xerces Society is a 501 (c)3 non-profit. Your gifts are tax-deductible. |
