Volunteer Opportunity from Michelle Turton

Wildlife Biologist Michelle Turton is looking for volunteers to come out this Friday, July 13th to assist in a non-lethal rusty-patched bumble bee survey at Wabasha Prairie. Meet time is at 8:00am at the Winona District office and we will return to the office by 2:00pm.

Volunteer responsibilities will include netting and transferring bumblebee to containers, identifying flowering plant species, and recording data using an iPad. On site training will be provided and volunteers will be partnered with trained Refuge staff. All equipment for the survey will be provided.

Closed toed shoes and long pants are required. Volunteers will be exposed to direct sunlight, heat, potential poisonous plants, and potential insect stings. It is recommended that volunteers bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and lunch/snacks. Volunteers must be 18 years or older and this activity is not recommended for people with known bee allergies. This activity also requires walking on uneven surfaces and off trail in long grass/brush environments. 

Please let Michelle Turton ([email protected] or 507-494-6234 know if you would like to participate by 4:00pm Thursday, July 12th.