Professional Development Month Field Trip: Native Bee Collecting with Sam Droege

Come join a bee-hunting adventure with Sam Droege, head of the USGS Native Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab. Honeybees aren’t native to the U.S., but we have about 4,000 species of our own native bees. These insects play crucial roles in ecosystems and come in a dazzling array of shapes, colors and lifestyles.

We will get access to parts of Patuxent Research Refuge that are off-limits to the public. Sam will give a brief presentation about native bees, then show us how to collect them. Sam notes that stings are possible, but unlikely; only females sting, about a quarter of species can’t sting at all, and bees are not aggressive when they’re on flowers. If anyone is nervous about transferring bees from nets to jars, feel free to hand that part off to Sam or Nala.

After collecting, we will gather at picnic tables to admire and learn about what we’ve found. Anyone who wishes to can eat lunch at this time. Specimens will be donated to the lab. After lunch, people who are comfortable going inside can come on a tour of the lab.

There are ticks and poison ivy, so take appropriate precautions. Bring water, a jar for collecting, and any snacks or lunch you will want. This event has a 20-person cap, so sign up soon!

COVID SAFETY: Please stay home if you feel sick. Maintain social distance when possible, and wear a mask at all times if you are not fully vaccinated. Fully vaccinated people can forego masks outdoors, but should wear masks if they come on the lab tour.

WHERE: Meet in front of the Native Bee Inventory and Monitoring Lab. Registrants will receive detailed directions.

REGISTER HERE: $10 per person