Although we estimate there are 500 species of bees in Oregon, there has never been a concerted survey of the state’s bees. Without even a checklist of species, it is very difficult to know 
whether the health of Oregon bees is improving or declining. The Oregon Bee Atlas represents the first steps towards confronting the gulf in our knowledge about the bees of Oregon.
The success of the Oregon Bee Atlas, like Oregon Flora, rests on the shoulders of committed volunteers. The Oregon Bee Atlas’ four year mission (2018-2021) is to train volunteers to explore Oregon Counties, to seek out new native bee records for the state, to boldly go where no amateur melittologist has gone before! These new specimen records will be added to newly digitized historic records from the Oregon State Arthropod Collection to build the first comprehensive account of the native bee fauna of Oregon.
Joining us to talk about the Atlas is Lincoln Best, the Atlas’ Lead Taxonomist. Lincoln was also featured on episode 50 last year.
“It’s easy to document common species; it’s really difficult to assess the extreme biodiversity that exists here.”
– Lincoln Best.
You can Subscribe and Listen to PolliNation on Apple Podcasts.
And be sure to leave us a Rating and Review!
Links Mentioned:
Oregon Bee Atlas Youtube channel
Follow Linc on social media (Twitter/Instagram/Facebook:) @beesofcanada
Contribute to our 100th episode:
Want to leave a question for our expert panel on the 100th episode?
Call in with your questions: 541 737 3139
Or email: info@oregonbeeproject.org
State your name and where you are from before asking your question.
I have thousands of little ground bees in my yard. They’re only argot a month and a half or so in the spring. I did not know there were so many bee species in Oregon. How do I find out what species my bees are?