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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.
UPDATE as of November 24th, 2025:
UPDATE as of November 24th, 2025:
Phase 1 of Nest Quest has wrapped up after two very successful years of nest surveys! We will be continuing in 2026, but things will look a little bit different as we move onto Phase 2 of the project. Check back soon for more updates, and be sure to sign up for our email list!
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 Agriculture and Natural Sciences. The program is collaboratively run by UMN Extension and the UMN Department of Entomology's Bee Lab.
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