As pollinators of native plants, bumble bees play a key role in structuring ecosystems, and they are critical pollinators of agricultural crops. Bumble bees are negatively impacted by habitat loss, agricultural practices and climate change, with one-quarter of species native to North America now threatened with extinction. California is a bee biodiversity hotspot, and the California Bumble Bee Atlas is a community science project to inventory these important pollinators. Please join us for a fun field walk as we learn to catch and identify bumble bees and explore how we can promote their populations.
Leader
Leif Richardson, conservation biologist with the California Bumble Bee Atlas project of the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation
Logistics
We will meet at 10:00 in front of the Yorkville Market (26701 Highway 128) which is closed at this time. There we will form carpools to drive up to the preserve. We will need AWD or 4-wheel drive vehicles on the preserve, so if you have one and are willing to drive, please let me know.
Participants must sign a waiver upon arrival. All minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian or a group leader who can legally take on that role (e.g., Girl Scout group). Pets and smoking are not permitted. No previous experience or knowledge is required.
We will be walking over uneven and potentially steep ground in forested areas, but the walk will not be strenuous – perhaps half a mile total with minimal elevation gain. Walking sticks may be helpful.
There is a restroom available at the Galbreath Preserve, but no drinking water.
COVID-19 Safety
All staff are vaccinated. Do not attend if you test positive for COVID-19 or if you have any symptoms that may be indicative of COVID-19, even if you are vaccinated. You are highly encouraged to get vaccinate and properly wear a mask when indoors (e.g., while driving in carpools). We will spend all of our time outdoors where social distancing is possible. All SSU updated guidelines can be found here.
What to Bring
Please bring a suitable mask to wear while carpooling. Wear a hat, sturdy shoes for hiking, long pants & sleeves, and sun and insect protection Poison oak and ticks are present. Bring water and a snack.
How to Sign Up
See registration link below. Each person should register separately. This event is free of charge.
About the Center
Sonoma State University’s Center for Environmental Inquiry empowers university students to work with community members on the environmental challenges of the North Bay. Our mission is to create an engaged and environmentally ready society, one where all people have the skills to find solutions to the challenges facing our earth. SSU Preserves are open to everyone engaged in education or research. Reservations are required.