For many years, Alaska’s native bees remained a mystery to scientists. The state’s vast and varied landscapes provided a home to numerous unknown bee species.
On a summer day near Fairbanks, an Alaska Bee Atlas volunteer collects bees. The volunteer sweeps a net across fireweed, catching bumblebees. Such moments are part of a broader initiative. Alaskans aim to study the bees essential for pollination in the northern region.
Thousands of bee specimens are gathered each summer. This effort helps scientists learn more about the diverse bee populations across the state.
The Alaska Bee Atlas project is a collaborative effort. It brings together volunteers and researchers. Together, they work to document the bees and better understand their role in Alaska’s ecosystem.
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