Master Melittologist Apprentice Program
There is no waiting list for the Master Melittologist Apprentice Program - enroll any time.
There is no waiting list for the Master Melittologist Apprentice Program - enroll any time.
This program is intended to be an introductory self-paced course of study, with opportunities for working with mentors in the field. Journey and Master levels - which will involve rigorous advanced study - are still in development at this time.
This program was the first of its kind in the world to train citizen scientists to both collect AND curate specimens for a university-led study. In just a few short years, the program has created one of the largest data sets on native bees and their floral associations in the world, and has led to countless new discoveries for the Pacific Northwest.
We offer a variety of programming for those who wish to join us in going down the rabbit hole exploring the world of native bees.
Those interested in the Master Melittologist Program who aren’t willing or able to kill bees for collection and curation or who aren't yet ready to begin surveying for bees might find a better fit in the Bee Steward Program. If your interest in wild bee surveying is piqued after completing the Bee Steward course, you are eligible to enter the Master Melittologist Apprentice Program for a reduced fee ($200).
The program fee is $325. If financial assistance is needed, you may select the 'SUBSIDY' payment option when registering, which reduces the fee to $50.
Please note that student manuals, supply kits, and certificates can only be mailed to addresses within the United States and Canada.
Students are asked to purchase “The Solitary Bees: Biology, Evolution, Conservation” by Bryan Danforth et. al. 2017, and “The Bees in Your Backyard” by Joseph Wilson and Olivia Messinger Carril 2015. An optional but recommended text is “Bumble Bees of North America: An Identification Guide” by Paul Williams et al 2014.
There are considerations for participating in the program if you live outside Oregon.
1. Specimens collected through the Apprentice level can be submitted to the Atlases in Oregon, Washington, New Mexico, Idaho or British Columbia. You can contact those regional coordinators for information about the submission process. If you live outside those locations, not to worry. While your bees may not presently go towards an Atlas, the training gives you the tools needed to create a private native bee collection along with an accompanying specimen database. Properly prepared bees that are databased can readily be integrated into a natural history museum for long-term preservation. Consequently, museums in many states and provinces will welcome your collection and it may serve as the basis for the creation of an Atlas in the future.
2. ONLINE MENTOR SESSIONS (SUBSTITUTION FOR IN-PERSON TRAINING): We strongly encourage you to take in-person field and microscope trainings (there really is no substitute for working through practical tasks of melittology with a trained instructor!). For individuals unable to attend in-person events, virtual sessions will be offered providing students with alternative instruction. Led by staff members, these events will rely on laboratory and field event checklists to ensure all students minimally review key foundational skills. The Calendar of Events in Canvas will indicate available dates and times.
Please note that student manuals, supply kits, and certificates can only be mailed to addresses within the United States and Canada.
Contact us if you have additional questions.
Once you are certified, your “active” status in the Master Melittologist Program is maintained by submitting a $30 annual participation fee. This fee helps offset recurring website maintenance costs, covers supplies including labels, instructor stipends, and advanced course offerings. We collect fees in March of each year to correspond with our annual conference. We will also require you to complete a new volunteer service form annually. If either of these are not completed, your status will not be considered active.
The Bee Steward Program might be a better fit for you!
This program is designed for those interested in the Master Melittologist Program who aren’t willing or able to kill bees for collection and curation, or who aren't yet ready to begin surveying for bees. If your interest in wild bee surveying is piqued after completing the Bee Steward course, you are eligible to enter the Master Melittologist Apprentice Program for a reduced fee ($200).