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 (25 square meters in area). This area is easy to set up and survey thoroughly in 20 minutes for nests. 

Step 1: Adopt a 50 x 50 kilometer grid 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.

Print out your datasheets. You will need both the bumble bee nest SURVEY data sheet and the bumble bee nest REPORT data sheet. 

If you do not own a printer, you can find find a public library near you to use a printer for little to no cost. 

PRO-TIP: It is always a good idea to have extra copies of the datasheets in the field with you. 

Step 3: Find a place to survey for bumble bee nests!

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

Step 4: Setup a 5 x 5 meter survey plot, and begin collecting data. 

After deciding where you want to survey, you will need to set up a plot where you will survey for nesting bumble bees for 20 minutes. 

Find a place where a 5 x 5 meter survey plot can be measured out. Plots can be measured by pacing footsteps, or using a tool like a yard stick or tape measure. Once setup, pick a spot on the perimeter of the plot where you will observe for nesting bumble bee activity. Plan for setup and data collection of a survey to take about 30 minutes.

Once you have finished your survey, fill out the nest survey datasheet to describe the habitat your plot is set in. This data will be used to characterize habitat during analysis. 

If you FOUND A NEST during your survey, be sure to also fill out the nest report datasheet to describe the nest. There is no need to fill this datasheet out if you did not find a nest during your survey.

Step 5: Report your data

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

NOTE: Even if you do not find a nest during your surveys, it is important you still submit your data! This data is important for revealing patterns of where bumble bees are NOT nesting. 

If you have questions about reporting your data, see the Data Entry FAQ or email a team member.