Fun with a purpose - the Washington Bee Atlas trains volunteers to map native bees

Karla Salp
Communications

Dr. Karen Wright demonstrates how to net bees. 

The air was chilly last Saturday as over a dozen people of various ages and backgrounds gave up a weekend to trudge out in hiking boots to a remote meadow near Sequim. The early morning, the fact that it was a weekend, and the distance from home for many of them proved that the group was truly passionate about the day’s work: learning to document the state’s native pollinators.

Oh, did I mention they are also all volunteers?

These dedicated few are some of the first to join and volunteer for a new project at the Washington State Department of Agriculture: the Washington Bee Atlas. The goal of the project is to document the state's native bees under the guidance of the WSDA’s first melittologist, Dr. Karen Wright.

Fun and fascinating – collecting native bees

Volunteers scout for bumblebees to catch and 
release with their insect nets.

Half of the volunteers were new to the project, but everyone was in high spirits, chatting about how they came to be involved. The day started by teaching new volunteers how to take and upload pictures of flowers to iNaturalist to record what the bees were pollinating and where.

Next was learning to net specimens. As the morning was cool, only bumble bees were out, which gave the participants an opportunity to practice “catch and release” with the fuzzy fliers, learning the “figure eight swoop” to ensure the specimens stayed in the net.

Now swinging the pros, volunteers next learned how to safely “charge” the collection vials, net a bee, and put it in the vial for euthanization* and preservation. Luckily, as the day warmed, the native bees became more active and the group had luck finding and netting over 20 species from that single location!

Logging plant types and location in iNaturalist

Last on the list was learning how to pin specimens so they could be preserved and later identified to species. The group found this is none too easy as some bees are extremely small. Once the specimens are identified, all of the data will be available on an online public dashboard.

Everyone was quick to pick up the basics needed to collect bees. It was a fun and funky group to be around. Everyone was fascinated by the bees they were finding, sometimes surprised when it came to pinning the bees that bees they thought were the same while collecting proved to be different when they took the time to pin and preserve them. Many stuck around to collect at another location in the area on Sunday.

“Anyone can learn to collect native bees in less than a day. Field work is a fun way to learn about the pollinators around us while improving our collective knowledge about our bees and how they interact with our environment,” Dr. Wright said.

Why native bees?

Dr. Wright shows how to situate the antennae 
when pinning so they don't accidentally
break off later

Very little is known about Washington’s native bees. We aren’t sure how many species are in the state and we can’t say whether they are doing well or declining. It is impossible to say how various changes — from agriculture to changes in climate to urban sprawl — are affecting them.

The map below shows known sightings of what is believed to be about 600 species of native bees in Washington. It amounts to about one dot per species believed to be in the state. In other words, we know almost nothing about native bees as a whole and there are many large areas in the state with no records at all.

The Washington Bee Atlas aims to change all that. Dr. Wright is responsible not only for training the volunteers and running the program, but for identifying all the bees that the volunteers collect as well.

Longhorned bee on flower

The project does not collect bumble bees (which are already tracked in the Pacific Northwest Bumble Bee Atlas) or honey bees, which are not native.

A successful model

While the program is new to Washington, the Washington Bee Atlas is not reinventing the wheel. The program is modeled on the Oregon Bee Atlas, which has been in place for several years. In fact, the two programs are collaborating. The Oregon Bee Atlas has developed such a thorough virtual training that Washington’s Bee Atlas volunteers will be taking it as well.

Once fully trained and certified, the volunteers will be able to collect under WSDA’s bee collection permits for the research project. (Did you know you have to have permits to collect wildlife in Washington?)

Volunteering with the bee atlas

To participate in the Washington Bee Atlas, volunteers must complete training to ensure they can properly identify and collect only native bees.

Volunteers living their best life and swinging
their insect nets!

Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, although training opportunities and field days may be limited to certain times of the year. If you are interested in learning more about the Washington Bee Atlas or would like to volunteer, visit WSDA’s Washington Bee Atlas webpage. Registration for the next virtual training session closes Aug. 2. The next field day is Aug. 11 at Snoqualmie Pass. For more information, visit our website or contact Dr. Karen Wright at karen.wright@agr.wa.gov.

*Euthanization is a necessary part of this research project as many species cannot be identified without examining the specimen itself.

 

Balancing science and practice for Washington’s soil health

Kim Vaughn
Communications

In recent years, the urgency of addressing climate change has brought soil carbon management to the forefront of public interest in Washington state. The focus on regenerative farming, climate-smart agriculture, and natural climate solutions has opened up new opportunities for soil scientists and growers to explore innovative approaches to building soil carbon. However, the complexity of soil carbon formation and the context-dependent nature of its response to management pose challenges for decision makers in creating science-informed policies and programs. In this blog post, we will discuss the key findings from recent studies that shed light on soil management and farming practices in Washington state.

Science-informed soil carbon policies in Washington and beyond

In a recent review article published in the journal Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, Dani Gelardi, Senior Soil Scientist at Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) and colleagues highlight the importance of diverse approaches in building and preserving soil carbon. 

The article summarizes current soil carbon science and assesses ten strategies currently being deployed in the United States, such as soil health initiatives, research networks, direct incentive payments, carbon markets, and crop insurance reform. The authors go on to advocate for a multi-pronged policy approach that leverages the strengths and expertise of diverse stakeholders. While Gelardi and colleagues focus on increasing soil carbon storage, they also emphasize that soils offer numerous valuable services beyond climate change mitigation, which are essential for climate change adaptation.

Summer is here - time to put your Hornet Hunter hat back on

Karla Salp
Communications

Gov. Inslee dons a hornet hunter hat while 
touring the hornet detection area in 2022. Gov.
Inslee and the Washington Legislature have been
very supportive of the hornet eradication efforts.

July is finally here and you know what that means around WSDA: time to start trapping for hornets! Our hornet trappers are already out in the field setting hornet traps in Whatcom County.

Since the first confirmed detection of the northern giant hornet (Vespa mandarina, also known as the Asian giant hornet) in 2019, there has been overwhelming interest from the public to help eradicate this invasive pest.

WSDA has welcomed this community support, leading to a hybrid government-public response that has been revolutionary – and effective. More than half of the confirmed hornet detections in the state have come from public reports. Three of the four nests eradicated in the state were found as the direct result of public reports.

The community has played a game-changing role in WSDA’s efforts to eradicate the hornets from our state. Although we had no detections last year, we’re not out of the woods yet.

We still need you.

Hornet sighting reported
to WSDA via social media
in 2020.

Your eyes, ears, and traps are still needed to detect any hornets that might still be lurking in the state. Here are three ways that you can help.

1. Trapping. WSDA has established a Public Hornet Trapping project, which provides community members with information on how to build and check hornet traps and report any hornets that are caught. The traps are placed in July and are left up through November.
2. Watch a Wasp Nest. The public and WSDA staff have witnessed northern giant hornets repeatedly attacking paper wasp nests. These nests can easily be found under the eaves of many buildings. By joining the “Watch a Wasp Nest” program, you commit to spending five minutes a week observing paper wasp nests on your property and logging activity, including whether you notice hornets at the nest.
3. Report sightings. Helping detect northern giant hornets can be as simple as being aware of your surroundings. If you think you spot one, get a photo if you safely can. Report suspected sightings with as much detail as possible, including where the insect was spotted, what it was doing, and if it flew off, the direction in which it headed.

EVERY hornet report matters. Whether found while trapping, watching paper wasp nests, or just being observant when you are out and about, it is critical to report each and every suspect hornet sighting. We get hundreds – if not thousands – of false reports each year, but we gladly accept them because it means you are on the lookout and that means we receive the few but critical confirmed detections we need to eradicate the hornets for good. 

Budget highlights: WSDA secures funding to expand programs through 2025

Daniel Schafer
Communications

Director Sandison visits the Emergency Food Network.

The Washington State Legislature approved the state’s two-year operating budget April 23, and Governor Jay Inslee approved May 16. The new budget will fund the state’s government through June 30, 2025.

Along with other state agencies, the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) has received funding that will allow us to continue providing the services we already offer our partners. But over the next two years, we’ll also have the resources we need to expand some important programs. In this article, we’ll highlight three areas where WSDA will be growing.

Improving food systems while advancing equity

Since the onset of the global pandemic, WSDA has been at the leading edge ensuring Washington’s food systems are strong and effective while decreasing food insecurity within the state.

As part of this effort, WSDA uses grant opportunities to provide a safety net for many producers. To support us in this effort, WSDA received $8 million dollars for local food system and infrastructure grants, $1 million for meat and poultry assistance grants, $30 million for food assistance programs, and $10.6 million in Coronavirus State Fiscal Recovery Funding to provide supplemental flexibility in spending to continue supporting our Washington farmers and their families.

Additionally, funding for our We Feed Washington initiative and related programs totaled $63 million in the 2023 budget. These funds will be used to decrease food insecurity for hungry Washington families.

What’s more, WSDA is committed to advancing equity and environmental justice in our state, with the goal of ensuring every Washingtonian has access to healthy, safe, and culturally relevant food. To contribute to these goals, WSDA was awarded $180,000 to continue working with communities while responding to recommendations we made to the state legislature in 2022.

Continuing collaboration efforts

From invasive pests to water availability, Washington’s food producers face a slew of challenges. The 2023–2025 budget includes funds designed to increase collaboration across that state, equipping producers to face these challenges. These funds include $400,000 that will allow WSDA to partner with WSU’s IMPACT Center to conduct an Ag competitiveness study that will analyze producers' challenges and identify tools to address them. WSDA also received $581,000 to enhance the WA Soil Health Initiative and implement a voluntary program that provides producers with tools to track soil health, providing the state with information that will be critical to improving farming viability in the future.

Responding to the threat of invasive pests

WSDA works to maintain and improve the health of Washington’s farms, but eradicating and containing invasive pests – including insects, noxious weeds, and more – benefits the entire state. We have already made significant progress in detecting, trapping, and eradicating many invasive pests, but the effort is ongoing. Thanks to funding from the Washington State Legislature, we can continue our efforts of detecting and eradicating invasive pests that pose the greatest threats in our state: northern giant hornets, spotted lanternfly, popillia japonica (Japanese beetle), and invasive moths.

Looking ahead

With WSDA’s budget set for another two-year cycle, we are excited to continue our mission to protect consumers, ensure public health, and serve as stewards of the environment in Washington state through service, regulation, and advocacy.

To learn more about the 2023–2025 budget, visit the State budgets page on the Washington State Office of Financial Management’s website.

Six ways you can help #BeatTheBeetles

Karla Salp
Communications

First WSDA-trapped Japanese beetle of 2023

The first Japanese beetle of 2023 has been detected! Our Japanese beetle trappers were out checking traps this morning and they discovered the first beetles in a trap near the high school in Grandview. So the adults are here and it is time to take action!

We conducted our second beetle treatment this spring and WSDA trappers have placed hundreds of traps in and near previous beetle detection sites that we’ll be checking regularly until the fall.

We’re doing everything we can to protect schools, parks, gardens, and farms from this invasive pest, but there are many ways that you can help.

1. Report Japanese beetle sightings. If you spot a Japanese beetle (or several,) snap a photo and report them online or by emailing pestprogram@agr.wa.gov.
   
   
2. Place your own traps. You can join the trapping effort by placing your own traps. Traps can be obtained at local farm and garden centers as well as online. If you do trap, please either count and report your trap catches online (with a photo of your catch!) or drop off traps with beetles in them at the following locations:
   
        - Valley Wide Cooperative (Grandview)
        - Riders True Value (Grandview)
        - Wapato City Hall (Wapato)
   
   
3. Treat your property. If you notice beetles on your property, you may want to apply an effective treatment for adults (WSDA’s treatment earlier in the year was for grubs.) Washington State University has provided guidance to homeowners in English and Spanish on the best products for Japanese beetles (not all products listed for Japanese beetles have been proven effective.) If you choose to treat your property, follow the label instructions on using the product exactly.
   
   
4. 
   Don’t move plants. If you live in or near an area where Japanese beetle has been found, do not move plants. Sharing plants from your yard with a friend or neighbor could spread the beetle from your yard to theirs. Don’t purchase plants from inside the quarantine area and take them home if you are outside the quarantine area. You could bring Japanese beetle into your yard.
   
   
5. Keep yard waste and soil in the quarantine area. Yard waste and soil could also transport beetles. Moving plants, yard waste, or soil out of the quarantine area is prohibited if you live in the quarantine area. Instead, WSDA has established a yard waste drop-off site at 875 Bridgeview Rd. Grandview, WA.
   
   
6. Spread the word, not the beetles. Learn more about Japanese beetles and encourage your friends and neighbors to help detect and eradicate this pest. On our Japanese beetle webpage, you can learn more about the beetle, how you can help, join our Washington Japanese Beetle Watch Facebook group, and sign up for email alerts to stay informed about the project.

Successfully eradicating the Japanese beetle from Washington is going to take several years. By working together, we can protect Washington from this invasive pest and #BeatTheBeetle. 

Espanol

Seis maneras en las que puede ayudar a #CombatirLosEscarabajos

 

Se detectó el primer escarabajo japonés de 2023. Esta mañana, nuestros tramperos de escarabajos japoneses revisaron las trampas y descubrieron los primeros escarabajos en una trampa cerca de la escuela secundaria en Grandview. Los adultos ya están aquí; por lo tanto, es momento de poner manos a la obra. 

Durante esta primavera, hemos realizado nuestro segundo tratamiento contra los escarabajos y los tramperos del Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) han colocado cientos de trampas en los lugares anteriores donde se detectaron escarabajos y cerca de ellos, los cuales revisaremos con regularidad hasta el otoño. 

Estamos haciendo todo lo posible por proteger escuelas, parques, jardines y granjas de esta plaga invasora, pero usted también puede ayudar de numerosas maneras. 

1. Notifique avistamientos de escarabajos japoneses. Si ve un escarabajo japonés (o varios), tome una fotografía y notifique en línea o por correo electrónico a través de pestprogram@agr.wa.gov. 
   
   
2. Coloque sus propias trampas. Puede colaborar con los esfuerzos de colocación de trampas al colocar las suyas. Puede obtener las trampas en centros agrícolas y de jardinería locales, así como por internet. Si atrapa escarabajos, cuéntelos y notifique en línea (adjunte una fotografía de los escarabajos capturados) o entregue las trampas con los escarabajos en los siguientes lugares:
   
        - Valley Wide Cooperative (Grandview)
        - Riders True Value (Grandview)
        - Wapato City Hall (Wapato)
   
   
3. Realice un tratamiento en su propiedad. Si detecta escarabajos en su propiedad, puede aplicar un tratamiento eficaz contra los adultos (a principios de año, el tratamiento del WSDA era contra los gusanos). Washington State University ha elaborado pautas para los propietarios en inglés y español sobre los mejores productos contra los escarabajos japoneses (no todos los productos que se enumeran para combatir el escarabajo japonés han demostrado ser eficaces). Si decide realizar un tratamiento en su propiedad, siga con exactitud las instrucciones que figuran en la etiqueta sobre cómo usar el producto. 
   
   
4. No traslade plantas de un lugar a otro. Si vive en una zona donde se detectaron escarabajos japoneses o cerca de ella, no traslade plantas. Compartir plantas de su jardín con amigos o vecinos podría propagar los escarabajos de su jardín al de ellos. No compre ni lleve a su casa plantas que pertenecen a la zona de cuarentena si usted vive fuera de dicha zona. De esta forma, podría traer al escarabajo japonés a su jardín. 
   
   
5. Mantenga los desechos de jardín y la tierra en la zona de cuarentena. Los desechos de jardín y la tierra también podrían transportar escarabajos. Está prohibido trasladar plantas, desechos de jardín o tierra fuera de la zona de cuarentena si vive en dicha zona. En cambio, el WSDA estableció un sitio de depósito de desechos de jardín en 875 Bridgeview Rd. Grandview, WA.
   
   
6. Difunda el mensaje para que los escarabajos no se propaguen. Obtenga más información sobre los escarabajos japoneses y aliente a sus amigos y vecinos a colaborar con la detección y erradicación de esta plaga. En nuestra página web del escarabajo japonés, puede leer más sobre el escarabajo y cómo puede ayudar, puede unirse al grupo de Facebook “Washington Japanese Beetle Watch” (Detección del escarabajo japonés en Washington) y puede registrarse para recibir alertas por correo electrónico para mantenerse al tanto sobre el proyecto. 

Erradicar definitivamente el escarabajo japonés de Washington va a demorar varios años. Si trabajamos juntos, lograremos proteger a Washington de esta plaga invasora y #CombatirLosEscarabajos.