Get involved: Track and conserve Wyoming’s bumble bees
Event Description
CHEYENNE, Wyo. – The Bureau of Land Management Wyoming is encouraging residents across the state to get involved in an important citizen science effort aimed at sustaining one of our most essential pollinators — bumble bees.
The Mountain States Bumble Bee Atlas, coordinated by the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, is looking for volunteers to help track and conserve native bumble bee species in Wyoming. Participants will receive free training, adopt a survey area (“grid cell”), and collect valuable data that will support critical conservation efforts.
No prior experience is necessary — just a love for wildlife, a spirit of exploration, and a commitment to completing at least two surveys during the 2025 field season.
Get Started with Free Training
To ensure volunteers are well prepared, the Atlas offers several flexible training options:
- Reading the Participant Handbook
- Attending or viewing the Mountain States Atlas Webinars
- Participating in in-person training workshops
Wyoming participants are especially encouraged to attend the free live webinar on April 23, 2025, which will provide an overview of the project, survey protocols, and tips for successful participation. A recording of the webinar will be made available in case you miss it.
Registration and full training materials are available at:
https://www.bumblebeeatlas.org/pages/mountain-states
Why It Matters
Bumble bees are vital pollinators for Wyoming’s wild landscapes, agriculture, and gardens. However, many native species are facing declines due to habitat loss, climate change, and pesticide use. By volunteering with the Mountain States Bumble Bee Atlas, Wyoming residents can play an active role in supporting pollinator health and ensuring vibrant ecosystems for future generations.
About the Mountain States Bumble Bee Atlas
The Mountain States Bumble Bee Atlas covers Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, and Nevada. Volunteers adopt survey areas and record observations of bumble bees following a standardized protocol, helping build a powerful regional database to guide conservation actions.
Quick Facts:
- Wyoming has 96 survey grid cells available for adoption.
- Volunteers must complete at least two surveys during the summer field season.
- Data collected helps researchers track species populations and protect critical habitat.
Ready to Join?
Visit https://www.bumblebeeatlas.org/pages/mountain-states to learn more, register for training, and adopt a grid cell. For questions about volunteering in Wyoming, please email: Amy Dolan, Mountain States Bumble Bee Atlas coordinator, at amy.dolan@xerces.org.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.