Download the Datasheet

On Site

You can do your habitat surveys either before or after your bumble bee survey. But they do need to be done on the same day to ensure the habitat conditions correspond to the observed bumble bee community. These surveys should take someone no more than 30 minutes (+/- depending on experience and complexity of the habitat) to complete. 

To complete these surveys you will need:
  1. The datasheet
  2. A camera
  3. A local wildflower plant guide or app
  4. The latitude and longitude of your location (see other resources for options)
  5. Basic weather information (see other resources for options)
  6. Your Grid ID

Step 1: Fill out the Site and Weather Information

  1. The site name should be the same site name you use for your Bumble Bee observations.
  2. Latitude and Longitude should be in decimal degrees (NOT using minutes and seconds - see Figure).
  3. Survey Type will either be a roadside or point survey, and Survey area will be 1 HA for a point survey and an estimate for a roadside survey.
  4. Survey Method: During your search period, did you: Capture all bees?; Focus on bees that were different?; or Combine these methods? 
  5. Weather (green) can be obtained using a local weather station. You can find options on the other resources page.

Step 2: Fill out the Habitat Information

  1. Circle 1 dominant habitat type of the SURVEY AREA (area surveyed for bumble bees). It may be difficult to choose just one, but please do your best. You can add notes under Site Description if need be.
  2. Circle as many habitat types as you observe in the SURROUNDING AREA.
  3. Circle how much of the SURVEY AREA has flowering resources.​
  4. Circle as many Nesting Habitat features as you see in or near the SURVEY AREA.
  5. Answer the questions about site management to the best of your ability. This includes the SURVEY AREA and the SURROUNDING AREA.

Step 3: Document the Flowering Plants

Walk through your SURVEY AREA and document each species of blooming plant. Wildflower field guides and apps can be helpful, but please be sure to photo document each species.
  1. Circle the number of flower species that you see currently blooming.
  2. Include the common name of each plant that you observe blooming within the SURVEY AREA. If you are unsure in the field, write unknown and complete later.
  3. Include the scientific name of each plant you observe in bloom within the SURVEY AREA. If you are unsure in the field, write unknown and complete later.
  4. Include the corresponding photo file names for later documentation.​

Step 4: Submit your data

If you will be submitting your data from a personal computer click here for instructions.

Project Partners

Supported with funding from:
About the Pacific Northwest Bumble Bee Atlas
The PNW Bumble Bee Atlas is a collaborative effort between the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation to track and conserve the bumble bees of Oregon, Washington and Idaho.
All photography by The Xerces Society, unless otherwise noted.