Rusty-Patched Bumble Bee Workshop

Rusty-Patched Bumble Bee Workshop

Wednesday | May 30 | 8:30am-noon
Upper Mississippi River NWFR La Crosse District Visitor Center

Winona District Biologist Michelle Turton is offering a Rusty Patched Bumble Bee survey training on Wednesday, May 30 at the LaCrosse Visitor Center. The training is open to anyone interested in learning how to survey bumble bees. See schedule, details, and directions below. 

The Rusty Patched has been listed as an endangered species and Michelle has been surveying suitable refuge habitat looking for them. She is always happy to have volunteers assist with this summertime activity. 

If you would like to learn more about the rusty patched, follow this link: https://www.fws.gov/midwest/endangered/insects/rpbb/factsheetrpbb.html

If you are available and would like to attend, please contact Michelle directly by email [email protected] or call 507‑494‑6234.

Survey Protocols for the Rusty-Patched Bumble Bee (Bombus affinis)
May 30th, 2018 Workshop

8:30am - 8:45am	Introductions
8:45am - 9:00am	Basic Bumble Bee Biology
9:00am - 9:20am	Rusty-patched Bumble Bee
9:20am - 9:30am	Break
9:30am - 10:00am	Survey Protocols
10:00am - 10:15am	Break
10:15am - 11:45am	Practice protocol in the field (incl. catching bees and transfer to vials)
11:45am - 12:00pm	Debrief back at classroom

Important to Note:

1. Please dress appropriately for the day’s weather, a portion of the workshop will be outside. All equipment is provided. Bring any tick protection and sunscreen you might need. In case of adverse weather, the field portion may be cancelled.
2. If anyone has a bee allergy, please let Michelle Turton ([email protected]) know.
3. Volunteer forms, if not on file at La Crosse District, need to be filled out before practicing the field portion. Extra forms will be available to complete during breaks.

Directions to the La Crosse District Visitor Center:

From Winona, MN, take MN-43 north across the Mississippi River. About ¾ mile after crossing the bridge, turn right (east) onto WI-35. Follow WI-35 east for about 16 miles. Continue onto US-53 S. Take WI-35 S exit toward Holmen Dr. and turn right. Turn right at the 1st cross street onto County Rd. OT. Slight right to stay of County Rd. OT. Continue onto County Road ZN. After about a mile, turn right onto County Rd. Z. The Refuge visitor center entrance is the first left, look for the Refuge sign.

From La Crosse, WI, take US-53 N towards Galesville. Take the exit toward County Rd. OT. Turn left onto County Rd. OT. Turn left after a mile onto County Rd. ZN. Turn right onto County Rd. Z after a mile. The Refuge visitor center entrance is the first left, look for the Refuge sign.