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Master Melittologist Program

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Are you interested in learning how to help survey for native bees? Are you interested in learning about the biology and life history of pollinators? Want to contribute to a larger effort to document the bees of the Pacific Northwest? The Master Melittologist Program might be right for you!

This program was the first of its kind in the world to train citizen scientists to both collect AND curate specimens for a university-led study. In just a few short years, the program has created one of the largest data sets on native bees and their floral associations in the world, and has led to countless new discoveries for the Pacific Northwest.

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    We offer a variety of programming for those who wish to join us in going down the rabbit hole exploring the world of native bees.

    • Advanced taxonomic training
    • Self-paced online training
    • Microscope training
    • Collection events throughout the Pacific Northwest
    • Group camping trips
    • Learning how to curate insect specimens to professional museum standards
    • Opportunities to contribute to the Oregon Bee Atlas and the Oregon State Arthropod Collection
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    Our Mission

    The Master Melittologist Program trains and equips volunteers to:

    • Contribute to the Oregon Bee Atlas - a comprehensive and publicly accessible inventory of the state’s native bees and their plant-host preferences
    • Educate Oregonians on the state’s bee biodiversity
    • Conduct an on-going survey of native bee populations in order to assess their health
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    Photo: Oregon Bee Atlas (Cropped from original)
    Photo: Oregon Bee Project

    The Oregon Bee Project

    The efforts described above are part of a statewide effort to safeguard the bees of Oregon, called the Oregon Bee Project (OBP). The OBP is a direct collaboration between the Oregon Department of Agriculture, OSU Extension, and the Oregon Department of Forestry.

    Oregon has a unique landscape of gardens, croplands, natural areas, and forests that help support and maintain approximately 600 species of bees. The State of Oregon is diligently working to maintain these pollinator species that are integral to the food supply and the natural environment around us.

    Through the OBP, we distribute thousands of informational materials on a yearly basis. If you’re interested in learning about these materials and distributing them yourself, check out the Bee Advocate page.

    Visit the Oregon Bee Project

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