The Michigan Bumble Bee Inventory (MBBI) 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 MBBI 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 MBBI. 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.

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

View 2023 Recordings

Bumble Bee Explorer

Explore bumble bee species and distributions in Michigan!

View the Explorer

Program Materials

External 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

Sign Up!

Complete the sign-up form and adopt a grid cell to survey! We will be notified and reach out to you for coordination. Contact Logan Rowe at roweloga@msu.edu for program related questions.

Thank you for supporting bumble bee conservation in Michigan.

Sign Up