A statewide initiative is in its second year with the aim of collecting data to help better understand bees. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is looking for volunteers to participate in the Bumble Bee Atlas.

Iowans are being asked to observe, survey, document, and share their findings as part of an effort to learn more about the distribution and habitat needs of bumble bees in the Hawkeye State. Part of the KCII-listening area is considered to be a high priority area, including portions of Washington, Henry, Keokuk, Iowa, and Johnson counties.

Last year’s efforts had participants collectively record over 1,000 sightings of bumble bees.

Find more information and to sign up as a volunteer click here.