Michigan Bumble Bee Atlas
The Michigan Bumble Bee Atlas (MBBA) was developed by the Michigan Natural Features Inventory (MNFI) and Michigan State University Extension (MSUE) to inform a broader understanding of bumble bee biology, diversity, and population trends for species of bumble bees in Michigan. The MBBA is a statewide community science project where participants are encouraged to actively collect bumble bee occurrence data and associated habitat data to inform bumble bee conservation across the state. Participants in Michigan will not only be able to contribute to state-level bumble bee conservation but will have the opportunity to inform conservation of bumble bees throughout the US by collecting similar bumble bee and habitat data as in other regions of the US.
Community members of all backgrounds and skill level are encouraged to participate in the MBBA. Community collected scientific-quality data in Michigan will directly contribute to bumble bee conservation in addition to being an excellent opportunity to get out in nature and learn more about bumble bees and their habitats.
Program Results
Check out what this program has accomplished and learn more about Michigan’s bumble bees! Many of the photos shared throughout the StoryMap were taken by volunteers. We would like to thank all Michigan Bumble Bee Atlas volunteers for contributing to the success of the program and sharing their passion for bumble bee conservation.
Sign Up!
Complete the sign-up form if you are interested in participating. We will be notified and reach out to you for coordination. Contact Logan Rowe at roweloga@msu.edu or Nicolette Sexton at sextonn4@msu.edu for program-related questions.
Thank you for supporting bumble bee conservation in Michigan.
Virtual Training Series
We have developed an online training series to learn about the program and provide the necessary knowledge and tools to contribute to bumble bee conservation in Michigan. The training series was divided into three sessions.
- Part 1: Bumble Bee Identification & Biology
- Part 2: Bumble Bee Conservation in Michigan
- Part 3: Introduction to the Michigan Bumble Bee Inventory Community Science Initiative
2025 Michigan Bumble Bee Atlas Volunteer Webinar
The Michigan Bumble Bee Atlas Online Volunteer Meeting was held on April 24th, 2025. The training included an overview of the different survey protocols, identifying locations to complete surveys, supplies needed for conducting surveys, how to submit data, and online locations of the resources available to help guide your efforts.
Bumble Bee Explorer
Explore bumble bee species and distributions in Michigan!
Program Materials
Participant Handbook
Bumble Bee & Habitat Survey Forms
Bumble Bee Identification Reference Guide
Bumble Bee Identification Quiz
Additional Resources
Michigan Female Bumble Bees Field Guide – Kalamazoo College, Department of Biology
Michigan Male Bumble Bees Field Guide – Kalamazoo College, Department of Biology
Bumble Bees of the Eastern United States – Xerces Society
Bumble Bees of North America – Princeton Press