Save the bees: citizen scientists asked to track bumble bees in Pacific Northwest

You, fine citizen, can help save the bees.

The Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Oregon Department of Agriculture, Oregon State University, and the Xerces Society are running a project called the Pacific Northwest Bumble Bee Atlas.

The program recruits citizen scientists to help gather data about bumble bees in Idaho, Washington and Oregon.

Participants must attend a training event, adopt an area to work in, visit that area at least two times during the bee season and collect data and finally submit that data online.

The three states are home to roughly 30 species of bumble bees. Researchers are hoping the project will help them better understand where the bees live in an effort to conserve and protect the creatures.

For more information: pnwbumblebeeatlas.org.