In early July, naturalists from Yampatika hosted 10 budding, young scientists at Steamboat Lake State Park to hunt for bumblebees. Named the “Bumble Bee Brigade Program,” Yampatika is taking bumblebee surveys throughout the summer at nearby state parks and on other public lands. However, just past the lupines and yarrow was a field of Mule’s Ears, which provided a much-needed food supply for the bees. Yampatika also leads community science efforts and follows the Xerces Society Bumble Bee Atlas when studying bumblebees. For more information on the Monday, Aug. 3 “Bumble Bee Brigade,” visit Yampatika.org/Events-Activities/Bumble-Bee-Bridgade/2026-08-03 , email hailey@yampatika.org or call the Yampatika office at 970-871-9151.