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How to conduct a Natural Site Survey
As mentioned elsewhere, bumble-watchers can complete one or both components of the Arkansas Bumblebee Survey. The natural site survey should take place in open areas containing abundant flowering plants. Potential sites could be a woodland edge, prairie, old field, or unmowed fenceline. Potential natural sites should only be located on public land or private land on which you have permission to enter (don't trespass). Good places for natural site surveys include state parks, wildlife management areas, natural areas, and national forests.
Quick Guide to Arkansas Bumblebees
Natural Site Survey Data Sheet
Natural Site Protocol
Print copies of the downloadable data sheet. The natural site survey should only be conducted between May 1-July 1 on warm, sunny days (above 60°F) between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Surveys should not be conducted when it is windy or raining. Record weather conditions on data sheet(s). Give the location of the natural site to be surveyed. Describe the type of habitat you will be surveying. It is important that data sheets be filled out as completely as possible in order to ensure usefulness.
Within your natural site, choose a plot of ground with a good number of plants in flower. As your natural site might be large, try to make observations within small manageable areas. You do not need to canvas the entire site, just concentrate on plots of ground where flowering plants are most abundant. If possible, record the types of flowering plants in your observation plot(s). If you do move around to multiple plots within your site, use separate data sheets for each individual observation.
Between May 1 and July 1 make at least three observations of bumblebees within your site. Ideally, individual observations would occur on multiple days throughout the May-June period. If you feel like surveying more than three times, please feel free. The more data we receive the better. Just make sure that you use separate data sheets for each observation period.
For each observation period, spend 10 minutes watching the bumblebees that visit your plot(s). We are asking that surveyors spend that exact amount of time per observation period in order to standardize results statewide.
Maintain a safe distance between yourself and the bumblebees you are watching. If need be, you could even use binoculars to get a more detailed view of the individual you are observing. As the bumblebees forage from flowers, note their color patterns and use the Guide to Arkansas Bumblebees to identify the individual to species. Record the bumblebee species you see in your natural site on the data sheet.
After the 10 minute observation period is complete, list the plants that are blooming in your plot(s) that day and note which ones the bumblebees seem to prefer most. Record that information on the data sheet(s).
When you have finished your surveys for the season, mail your completed forms to:
Arkansas Bumblebee Survey
Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission
1500 Tower Building
323 Center Street
Little Rock, AR 72201
Disclaimer: Bumblebees are capable of delivering a venomous sting. Caution should be exercised in the presence of any stinging insect. Participation in the survey is voluntary. The Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission assumes no responsibility or liability for any injuries sustained by individuals participating in this survey.
