EXT XEN.0011 - Midwest Bumble Bee Identification, Ecology, and Conservation
Description
This course is designed for anyone who wants to reliably identify bumble bees to species in the field, including conservation professionals, students performing research on bumble bees, and volunteers who want to take their identification skills to the next level. We will cover 25 common and uncommon bumble bee species including the endangered rusty patched bumble bee. We will focus on the color morphs that are common in the upper Midwest, but will cover species present throughout eastern North America.
This is a self-guided course that you can work on at your own pace year-round. The course includes pre-recorded videos and digital materials. Instructors are always available for questions via the online course interface or email. Live sessions will be regularly scheduled throughout the year and announced on the course page.
If course fees prohibit you from participating, please contact Elaine at elainee@umn.edu.
Instructors
Zach Portman: Zach is a bee taxonomist at the University of Minnesota in the Cariveau Native Bee Lab. His research focuses on the identification, taxonomy, and conservation of Minnesota bees. He received his PhD at Utah State University, studying native bees under Dr. Terry Griswold.
Elaine Evans: Elaine is a University of MN Extension Educator and Researcher working on bee conservation. Elaine completed an M.S. and Ph.D. in Entomology at the University of Minnesota and currently works with volunteers to survey bumble bees in MN though the Midwest Bumble Bee Atlas programs.
Sami Dolan: Sami is a University of Minnesota Researcher working on bumble bee conservation. Sami completed her M.S. in Entomology at the University of Minnesota with Dr. Dan Cariveau studying bumble bee nesting.
Course Contact
Elaine Evans, elainee@umn.edu
Registration questions
Extension Registration, ext-reg@umn.edu
User Name or Password help
UMN Help Desk, HELP@umn.edu, 612-301-4357. Let them know you are using a guest account to register for a non-credit Canvas course.