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BC Bee Atlas

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OSU Master Melittiogist Logo

Master Melittologist Apprentice Level Program

Oregon State University's Master Melittologist Program was the first of its kind in the world to train citizen scientists to collect and curate wild bees for research purposes. It provides you with a comprehensive introduction to bee biology via six online self-paced training modules, with opportunities to interact with the instructors through the Discussion Board and at monthly Zoom Meetings. By the end of the course you will be able to:

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  1. Explain the basics of bee biology including their different characteristics at the family level

  2. Explain why a Bee Atlas is important for informing conservation efforts and land management decisions

  3. Catch and prepare museum-grade bee specimens

  4. Curate a database of bee specimens that you have caught

  5. Plan a bee survey

  6. Add a determination (ID) to your bees at the genus level

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This online, self-paced program will teach you more about the biology and ecology of native bees. While most of the program components come from Oregon, the NBSBC supports training for BC residents, including field training on Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, and the Okanagan.

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Master Melittologists at Bee School in the Okanagan, 2023

You will learn how to catch bees and document floral host information using standardized procedures at a field training event. These events are held in multiple locations in Southern BC.  In person microscope training sessions are offered annually, and volunteer hosted collection events happen throughout the province. 

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