Volunteer program expands to track endangered bumblebee species nationwide

The Xerces Society has turned a small Pacific Northwest project into a nationwide programme to track native bumblebees. Volunteers across the United States now collect data on wild bumblebee populations over five years. The society found that people were happy to join conservation efforts without much persuading.

Volunteers use photography and printed wanted posters to report rare species. Thousands of photo submissions came in after posters for three rare species were shared around the country. Some volunteers also receive training to safely catch bumblebees for closer study.

The data helps scientists decide how to manage habitats and support struggling species. Franklin's Bumble Bee, now on the endangered species list, has not been confirmed in the wild since 2006. Researchers are still working to find and protect it.