Courtesy
KEARNEY — Kearney High School and Rowe Sanctuary invite the community to participate in exciting new science projects at the Kearney Outdoor Learning Area (KOLA), located just south of the high school.
On Saturday, September 21, from 1:00-4:00 p.m., people of all ages and abilities can join the Monarch Watch and Bumble Bee Atlas initiatives, contributing valuable data to help protect these vital species. Participants will have the opportunity to catch and tag monarch butterflies and bumblebees using nets and other survey equipment. No prior experience is necessary, as training will be provided on-site by project leaders. Attendees are encouraged to bring a water bottle and wear closed-toe shoes, long pants, insect repellent, and sunscreen.
Why Community Science Projects?
The data collected from these projects will play a crucial role in protecting monarch butterflies and bumblebees, as well as preserving their habitats. Information gathered about bumblebees, for instance, will help guide decisions on protecting, restoring, and managing effective habitats that support healthy populations of not only bees but also other organisms vital to the ecosystem.
Monarch Watch
Monarch Watch is a large-scale, long-term community science project that involves tagging migrating monarch butterflies on their journey to wintering grounds in Mexico. Participants will catch monarchs, tag them with small, lightweight coded stickers, record the data, and identify the butterflies’ genders before releasing them to continue their migration. This project helps answer questions about the origins, timing, and pace of monarch migrations, mortality rates, and changes in geographic distribution. The tagging process is safe and does not harm the butterflies.
Bumble Bee Atlas
Launched in 2019, the Bumble Bee Atlas is a partnership between the Xerces Society and the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, aiming to learn more about the state’s bumblebee populations. Recent studies reveal that one-quarter of North America’s 50 bumblebee species are experiencing dramatic declines. These bees play a critical role in pollinating flowers essential for the survival of many organisms, including plants, insects, birds, and even humans. Participants will learn to catch and identify bumblebees, contributing to vital research that supports conservation efforts.
These projects not only provide valuable scientific data but also offer a unique opportunity for Kearney High School students and the wider community to engage directly with nature and contribute to meaningful environmental conservation efforts.
