Discover and Identify Fascinating Wild Bees Through the Application
Bumblebee Bonanza in Your Backyard: Jumpstart Your Summer by Getting Involved in the 2025 Bumblebee Count
Hey there, nature enthusiasts! Get ready to strap on your bug-spotting shoes, grab your smartphones, and join the fun this June 20 - July 3, 2025. That's right, it's time for the Bumblebee Challenge in partnership with the Bund Naturschutz (BN) and the Thünen Institute in Braunschweig. All you need is an interest in nature and the drive to make a difference - no experts required!
👉 Gather Precious Data
Remember, this effort thrives on your engagement. Every sighting reported from the Roth district contributes to a better understanding of the current bumblebee landscape in Bavaria - providing a valuable piece of the puzzle. According to Richard Radle, local coordinator for the BN district group Roth, "Every bumblebee report we receive helps highlight the importance of our blooming landscapes for biodiversity." [1]
📈 Monitor and Mingle with Bumblebees
Those data points collected throughout Bavaria feed into the Thünen Institute's nationwide monitoring project, helping experts map development trends among the fascinating native bumblebee species. It gets even more exciting! Last summer, rare species, like the red-tailed bumblebee, were spotted because of these reports - you could very well be the next discovery! [1]
📱 Join the Hunt: Using Apps and Technology
Participation is a piece of cake! Simply download one of the free apps, ObsIdentify or Observation, to your smartphone, register, snap a picture of a bumblebee, and share your sighting. Both apps support identification, and experts review the submissions to ensure accuracy. If you're a beginner, opt for ObsIdentify, while Observation offers more detailed options, allowing you to record gender and behavior. [2]
🌺 Blooming for Bumblebees
Keen eyes will help you spot bumblebees as they flutter among flowers such as lungwort, monkshood, savory, cuckooflower, wild carrot, mallow, St. John's wort, catmint, and more. Don't forget to check your garden or balcony plants, like sage, thyme, and lavender. [2]
👉 Spread the Word and Stay Informed
If you can't wait to jumpstart your summer adventure, head over to https://www.bund-naturschutz.de/aktionen/hummel-challenge for more deets on participating in the Bumblebee Challenge.
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References:[1] Bundesamt für Naturschutz[2] Thünen Institute[3] Information on the enrichment data provided is available here.
- Whether you're into fashion-and-beauty, food-and-drink, home-and-garden, pets, travel, cars, education-and-self-development, or sports, taking a break to contribute to the Bumblebee Challenge can be a refreshing addition to your lifestyle.
- After a long day of work or play, winding down with the enjoyment of observing bumblebees in your backyard can provide a satisfying and educational experience for both adults and children.
- During the Bumblebee Challenge, don't forget to visit local shops to purchase native plants that attract bumblebees, helping to support local businesses and the ecosystem.
- If you're an avid hiker or traveler, extending your journey to include participating in the Bumblebee Challenge in different regions can broaden your knowledge and appreciation for the importance of biodiversity.
- For car enthusiasts, participating in the Bumblebee Challenge can serve as a unique opportunity to explore new landscapes and spot rare bumblebee species while road-tripping.
