Volunteers Documented Rare Bees Across Washington
Citizen scientists helped track nearly 30 new or rare native bee species since the Washington Bee Atlas launched in 2023.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Botany
Live Poll
Would you participate in a local citizen science project to track and support native pollinators?
Since its 2023 launch, the Washington Bee Atlas project has engaged volunteers to survey the states native pollinator populations. These citizen scientists successfully identified nearly 30 new or rare bee species across Washington between 2023 and 2025.
Why it matters
The program establishes a vital baseline for understanding native pollinator health, which helps officials identify host plants for regional seed mix recommendations. This data provides critical insights into species distribution amidst ongoing threats to global honeybee colonies.
Researchers confirmed 17 new species records for the state and rediscovered 12 species not documented in 50 years. Among the findings, Anthidium formosum was recorded for the first time in 144 years.
The players
Washington State Department of Agriculture
This government agency oversees the state's agricultural industry and manages the Washington Bee Atlas project.
Oregon State University
This public research university provides the essential online training sessions for volunteer citizen scientists.
Washington State University
This land-grant research university collaborates on the management of the statewide bee documentation program.
The details
Coordinated by the Washington State Department of Agriculture with Oregon State University and Washington State University, the project relies on volunteers who receive training through online sessions. Participants collect specimens by catching and killing bees for detailed examination under microscopes or via DNA analysis.
Timeline
17th century: Honeybees were first introduced to the United States.
1882: The last recorded sighting of Anthidium formosum in Washington prior to the project.
2023: The Washington Bee Atlas program was launched.
2023-2025: Volunteers documented nearly 30 new or rare bee species.
Winter: The ideal season for volunteers to complete the required online training.
Deeper Dive
The Washington Bee Atlas serves as a regional research initiative that provides a critical baseline for native pollinator distribution. This project extends the state's ability to manage biodiversity by replacing anecdotal observations with verifiable scientific records.
By identifying specific host plants for native bees, the program's findings will eventually influence regional seed mix recommendations for home gardens and local agriculture. Residents in areas like Mount Vernon and Bellingham may see future calls for volunteers to assist in expanding the survey coverage.
The takeaway
Citizen science remains a highly effective method for tracking biodiversity in regions where professional biological survey resources are limited. By participating in state-led programs, residents contribute to scientific data that informs long-term environmental and agricultural planning.
Further reading
Learn more about the local floral ecosystem by visiting the Washington (state) Botany section.
More information
To review project guidelines or join as a participant, visit the Washington Bee Atlas volunteer portal.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Northern Light.
Live Poll
Would you participate in a local citizen science project to track and support native pollinators?
