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Maine Bumble Bee Atlas with Kalyn Bickerman-Martens

Understanding the diversity, distribution, abundance, and beeauty of Maine’s Bumbles Bees with Kalyn Bickerman-Martens

WHEN: THURSDAY, March 18 AT 6:00PM

WHERE: ZOOM - A LINK WILL BE SENT FOLLOWING REGISTRATION BELOW.

KELT is pleased to welcome Kalyn Bickerman-Martens to share more about the state-wide citizen science effort, the Maine Bumble Bee Atlas (MBBA).

Bumble bees play an incredibly important role as a top-notch pollinator! As a visitor to our gardens, they are vital for the pollination of many tasty fruits and veggies in addition to our favorite spring and summer wildflowers. The decline in bumble bee populations across the nation over the last several decades is alarming. Of the 17 species known to reside in our state, little is known about their status.

Enter the MBBA! This multi-year, state-wide survey is gathering information about the diversity, distribution, and abundance of Maine’s bumble bees. Thanks to the coordination from Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife in partnership with the University of Maine at Orono and Farmington and the dedicated efforts of community scientists, our knowledge of Maine’s bumble bees is greatly improved.

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Kalyn Bickerman-Martens is a PhD candidate in Ecology and Environmental Sciences at the University of Maine and her work focuses on the health of Maine’s bumble bees and wild blueberry pollination. Her research interests include disease ecology and the natural history of Maine.

Earlier Event: March 13
Buds, Bark, and Branches: Winter Tree ID
Later Event: April 1
Tick Talk with Dr. Nananda Col