Roadside Surveys
Roadside surveys are a common way to document bumble bee abundance and species richness, and have been used in other regions on the country (MN, VT, ME). They are also a great way for most anyone to participate, as they often do not require walking long distances or over uneven terrain. A roadside survey consists of several stops along a stretch of road. Each individual survey is significantly shorter than our point surveys, but they will collectively give us a good idea about the bumble bee species richness of an area.
Roadside surveys can be conducted en route (or in return) from a formal survey site, or on their own, but should take place within a grid cell that has been adopted by someone in your party. Be sure to follow posted signs and regulations; please respect private property and if necessary obtain permission from the land owner. These surveys also include rapid habitat surveys to be filled out at each stop along the way.
Bumble bees are generally active from April through September depending on the habitat, species, and weather. Some species may be active earlier, and some may be active later. But, since the goal of this project is to get a better understanding of the distribution of all species in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, point surveys will take place in the middle of the season: June, July, and August.
Roadside surveys can be conducted en route (or in return) from a formal survey site, or on their own, but should take place within a grid cell that has been adopted by someone in your party. Be sure to follow posted signs and regulations; please respect private property and if necessary obtain permission from the land owner. These surveys also include rapid habitat surveys to be filled out at each stop along the way.
Bumble bees are generally active from April through September depending on the habitat, species, and weather. Some species may be active earlier, and some may be active later. But, since the goal of this project is to get a better understanding of the distribution of all species in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, point surveys will take place in the middle of the season: June, July, and August.