Connecting native bee communities, land management, and human interactions
Objective 1. Discover impacts of human altered landscapes on bumble bee communities.The aim is to determine how bumble bee species composition, host plant use, and changes across natural, urban, and agricultural landscapes in southern Michigan.
Bumble bee surveys and habitat assessments were in collaboration with the Michigan Natual Features Inventory (MNFI). Michigan Bumble Bees - Michigan Natural Features Inventory Two years of data collection are complete, this chapter is currently being drafted. |
Three angles of bees for non-lethal sampling and identification: dorsal (top), head, and lateral (side).
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Objective 2. Establish field-realistic pesticide exposure and risk for bees across habitat types.The project will investigate field relevant exposure and risk of pesticides (insecticides, fungicides, and herbicides) across the three habitat types.
This objective is also in collaboration with the MNFI and USFWS (see below). Three years of data collection are complete, data analysis is in progress. |
Vials of bumble bees for pesticide analysis.
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Objective 3. Determine effects of field-realistic pesticide exposure on bumble bee health.Determine lethal and sub-lethal effects of field-realistic pesticide exposure on bumble bees. From this information, I will develop combined treatments that represent the type of pesticide exposure bumble bees will experience in each habitat type.
A pilot study was conducted and found no significant results. An experiment with the active ingredients detected in Obj. 2 will occur in the Spring. |
This microcolony contains 5 workers, sucrose in a syringe, and pollen in a cap.
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Objective 4. Compare pollinator and pesticide attitudes across different communities.To compare attitudes towards pollinators and pesticides across different communities to inform pollinator community science and conservation practices. This includes native bee awareness, pesticide use and perspective, and possible barriers to stakeholder involvement.
The survey is currently collecting responses. |
This sign is asking for viewers to scan the QR code to fill out a survey about pollinators.
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Other Projects:
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Specialty Crop Research InitiativeObjective 1b. To compare whether colony placement and orientation can reduce pesticide exposure. The influence of the placement treatment on pesticide exposure will be measured using silicone bands.
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Prairie Restoration Project Collaboration
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Plant Community
During these surveys, plant species will be identified, as well as, collecting soil samples, soil compaction measurements, and amount of shade the plot receives. Samples will be used to calculate soil water holding capacity, texture, and nutrients.
Pollinator Community
Sampling would involve counting the bees and other insects for about 15 minutes around the plot. Future collections may also include a pesticide analysis.
During these surveys, plant species will be identified, as well as, collecting soil samples, soil compaction measurements, and amount of shade the plot receives. Samples will be used to calculate soil water holding capacity, texture, and nutrients.
Pollinator Community
Sampling would involve counting the bees and other insects for about 15 minutes around the plot. Future collections may also include a pesticide analysis.
Native Bee Hotel MSU Horticultural gardens
Replacing stems annually and remodeling as necessary.
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RPBB Reintroduction to MI |
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This project is in collaboration with the MNFI and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service rusty patched bumble bee conservation plan to reintroduce to pesticide safe locations in Michigan. The USFWS RPBB recovery plan: "includes, but is not limited to: surveys and monitoring, conservation planning, research, habitat management and enhancement, as well as outreach." See more info.
Sites with no or low pesticide detections (Obj. 2) can be marked as safe reintroduction location for RPBB.
Sites with no or low pesticide detections (Obj. 2) can be marked as safe reintroduction location for RPBB.