On the Hunt for the Humble Bumble Bee

June 22: On the hunt for the humble bumble bee – learn new skills to make your summertime hikes buzzworthy

Okanogan Highlands Alliance and Xerces Society Offer Bumble Bee Field Trip

Location: Okanogan Highlands

On June 22, 2019, community members have an opportunity to learn about the bumble bee species in our area, their importance to our ecosystems, as well as ways we can help conserve them. In an effort to learn more about bumble bees to improve evidence-based bumble bee conservation guidance, the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, in partnership with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, and the Oregon Bee Project, has launched the Pacific Northwest Bumble Bee Atlas. On a hike in the Okanogan Highlands, Rich Hatfield, Xerces Society conservation biologist, will share information about the Atlas Project, how to participate, and the value that the project will have to our area, both locally, and more regionally. The group will conduct a point survey at Lost Lake to help determine the number of bumble bee species living there.

This field trip will connect the community with our native bumble bees and other pollinators and the contributions they make. The event will provide inspiration and a user-friendly method of getting involved in citizen science to make positive strides toward effective conservation.

Rich Hatfield is a Senior Conservation Biologist with the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation. The Xerces Society, founded in 1971, is a non-profit environmental organization that focuses on the conservation of wildlife, through the protection of invertebrates and their habitat. Rich is a leader in bumble bee conservation, with a demonstrated history of effectively using science, advocacy, and citizen science to protect wildlife species and their habitat. Rich has a Master’s degree in Conservation Biology from San Francisco State University. He has special knowledge of our region’s species and issues due to his ongoing involvement in the Sinlahekin Wildlife Area in Okanogan County.

This event is provided free of charge to the community in partnership with Humanities Washington, and with support from Bob Raymer’s Machine Works.

Due to the nature of the outdoor event, participation is limited, and priority registration has been offered for OHA members. The general public can now register, and once the event is full, a waiting list will be generated on a first-come, first-serve basis. To begin or renew OHA membership and be first in line to register for the summertime events, community members can donate online, or contact OHA for more information. Further details will be provided to those who register for the field trip.

To sign up for this event, please email julie@okanoganhighlands.org or call 509-476-2432.