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Minnesota Bumble Bee
Bumble Bee Nest Quest is a public participation science project finding and describing bumble bee nests. Volunteers gather this vital data to help us refine bumble bee conservation plans.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
Nest Quest Virtual Training, May 7th, 2026 from 5:30-7pm.
Join program leaders to learn more about how to participate in the Nest Quest program. We will cover some background information on bumble bee biology and natural history, volunteer expectations, and how to complete a Nest Quest survey.
Visit our Events page to learn more and to register.
Why bumble bee nests?
Why bumble bee nests?
Bumble bees are charismatic and iconic pollinators, but little is known about their nesting habits. One in every three bumble bees is currently threatened or endangered and understanding more about where they nest can help scientists take conservation action.
Volunteers will need to attend a training workshop, choose a site, and visit this site for one hour every other week between late June and late August where they will wander through their plot to look for nests. Anyone is welcome to participate.
We have just completed Phase 1 of this project. Nest Quest will look a little different in 2026 as we expand this program statewide.
Bumble Bee Nest Quest is supported by funding from the University of Minnesota College of Food Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences. The program is collaboratively run by UMN Extension and the UMN Department of Entomology's Bee Lab.
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