Bumble Bee Atlas Training & Bioblitz

Join us for a hands-on day with bumble bees and prairie plants

The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, Grassland Groupies, Kansas Native Plant Society, and Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks are coming together to offer a unique day surrounded by bugs, wildflowers, and grasses this National Prairie Day.

We’ll meet at Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve at 9:00am for an introduction to the Bumble Bee Atlas citizen science project and a bug-netting demonstration which includes how to safely net bumble bees, transfer them to vials, photograph them, and release them. Groups will then explore the prairie and catch insects before coming back together to share our findings. Any caught bumblebees will be recorded to help further bee research in Kansas. Bring a lunch and enjoy a picnic on the prairie before heading out at noon.

Attendees are encouraged to participate in a full Bioblitz experience and make observations of birds, wildflowers, or any other finds throughout the day and interact with the bumble bees to their own comfort level. While bumble bees rarely sting, it is always a possibility and attendees should follow best practices set forth by event organizers.

What to Expect: hiking on uneven terrain (gravel and grass) and make sure to bring a water bottle, hat, close-toed shoes, bug spray, and sunscreen. Bathrooms are available.

Register here: https://bit.ly/BeeBioblitz

Spots are limited, so please let us know if you are unable to make it so we can open those slots to other participants.

Learn more about the Bumble Bee Atlas here: https://www.bumblebeeatlas.org/

Questions: nicole@grasslandgroupies.org