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How do I become a Nest Quest volunteer? 

Attend a vitrual training or access training materials online afterwards.

Nest Quest uses a grid cell model to track participation, much like the Bumble Bee Atlas. You can join Nest Quest by adopting a grid cell, which is your pledge to complete a minimum of 2, 20-minute Nest Quests between June and August. We encourage you to complete a total of 6 surveys, for a total of 3 hours of surveying time over the summer. 

Step 1: Complete training

Training will cover bumble bee nesting biology and protocols to choose survey sites, set up survey plots, and collect data. Attend a vitrual training or access training materials online afterwards.

Step 2: Choose your grid cell

Use the map below to find which grid cell you'd like to survey. 

In choosing your grid cell, remember that you will choose a site where you have permission to survey, can establish a 5x5 meter plot, and can easily access from June through August.  

All grid cells are open for adoption. There is no limit to the number of people that can adopt a grid cell. 

Step 3: Adopt your grid cell by filling out the form

Fill out the Grid Adoption form to let us know what grid cell you will be adopting. 

Step 4: Plan your surveys and go collect data!

Visit our Planning Surveys page for help finding a survey location.