Trail Running + Pollinator Science: MTC x The Xerces Society

Are you a runner who loves endless wildflower meadows and buzzing pollinators? Ever wanted to combine your passion for running with science? Have plans to run to remote, wild, and scenic corners of Montana this summer? Montana Trail Crew invites Missoula trail runners to join us on Saturday, May 30th from 10 am - 1 pm for a unique run and training co-hosted with The Xerces Society on Mount Dean Stone. This outing will provide you with the knowledge and equipment to contribute to the Montana Bumble Bee Atlas on your summer trail runs. You can help fill knowledge gaps about our native bumble bees! The Montana Bumble Bee Atlas is a statewide community science project actively tracking and conserving our native bumble bees. Anyone is welcome to join the field training day—no experience is needed. Michelle Toshack (The Xerces Society) will demonstrate how to safely catch, photograph, and release bumble bees. This field training is a great opportunity to get involved further with the Montana Bumble Bee Atlas by completing a survey (or two or more!) of your own trail runs from June 1 - August 31. Bring a running vest to carry a small butterfly net and vials for catching bees (provided by The Xerces Society). Also bring your own water and snacks. At this training, we will run the House of Sky trail and conduct a Bumble Bee Atlas field training at Mitten Mountain (4 miles round trip). The run will start and end at the Skyline Trailhead on Mount Dean Stone, and we’ll be coordinating carpools from Pattee Canyon. The Montana Trail Crew co-leaders will be Erin Clark and Adrienne Tauses. If you have questions before registering, please submit a your question in our contact form below. **Participants under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult**