Volunteers can collect data in two ways. Incidental observations are casual or unplanned sightings made when your primary motive or activity was not monitoring for bumble bees. This also includes observations made immediately before or after a small area survey. All incidental observations require a photograph voucher. Small area surveys are conducted when you purposefully look for, photograph, count, and record the bumble bees that you see at a single location, following the guidelines in the Volunteer Manual. We recommend conducting small area surveys with a partner or small group. If you conducted a survey and did not observe any bumble bees, please still submit a record of your survey.
Become a SciStarter Ambassador!
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Applications for Cohort 4 are open!

Libraries and community organizations need your help to spark excitement for citizen science and keep the momentum going!

The SciStarter Ambassador Program offers FREE training to volunteers ready to make an impact in their communities.

Ready to make a difference? Complete your application by March 14th to join the movement!