Survey protocol

What does a "Nest Quest" look like?

A "Nest Quest" consists of setting up a survey plot and looking for bumble bee nest activity for 20 minutes. The size of this plot will be 5 x 5 meters squared (25 square meters). This area is easy to setup, and easy to survey thoroughly in 20 minutes for nest. 

Step 1: Adopt a 50 x 50 kilometer gird cell where you will conduct your surveys. 

You are welcome to survey anywhere within the grid cell you choose. A good grid cell to adopt would be a place you live or a place you spend a lot of time for recreation or visiting friends or family. 

Step 2: Print out data sheets, and find a place to survey! 

Go to a place you know well to survey for nests. This could be just in your yard or a local park, in a natural area, or in an old hay field. The nesting habitat for many bumble bees are still unknown, so anywhere that you are able to survey is a good place! 

Print out data sheets here. You will need the bumble bee nest SURVEY data sheet and the bumble bee nest REPORT data sheet. Always take copies of these into the field with you! 

Step 3: Setup a 5 x 5 meter survey plot, and begin collecting data. 

After deciding where you want to visit for a survey, you will need to setup a your plot where you will look for bumble bees for 20 minutes. Find a place where a 5 x 5 meter survey plot can be measured out. Measure out your survey plot, and pick a spot on the perimeter where you will observe for nesting bumble bee activity. Once you have finished your survey, fill out nest survey datasheet to describe the habitat you surveyed. 

If you FOUND A NEST during your survey, be sure to also fill out the nest report datasheet to describe the nest. 

Step 4: Report your data

Navigate to Data Entry and report your data using the links.