The Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, Maine’s Newest Endangered Species

Dr. Mark McCollough, endangered species biologist with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, will speak on “The Rusty Patched Bumble Bee, Maine’s newest Endangered Species.” The rusty patched bumble bee was added to the Federal Endangered Species List in March 2017. It was once one of Maine’s most abundant and widespread bumble bees, but has disappeared from much of its range. It was last seen in the mid-coast region of Penobscot Bay and may still exist here. Why are the rusty patched bumble bee, yellow-banded bumble bee, and many other pollinator species declining? What can you do to help? Would you like to help search for bumble bees next summer? Mark will discuss the fascinating ecology of this bumble bee and explain several programs that Federal and State agencies are initiating to help pollinator species in the state.

Dr. Mark McCollough has been an endangered species biologist for the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service for the last 15 years. Before that he worked for Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and was leader of the Nongame and Endangered wildlife programs. Mark works on everything from bumble bees to Canada lynx to the elusive Furbish’s lousewort. Some may know that Mark is also a wildlife artist. You may own a piece of his art and not know it (Maine’s chickadee and loon automobile license plates) or recently purchased Maine’s latest endangered species poster. Mark lives in Hampden Maine and attracts dozens of species of pollinators to his backyard. Find out how you can too!

The Belfast Free Library , Friends of Sears Island , and the Waldo County Soil and Water Conservation District are sponsoring this event, which is free and open to the public.

For more information call the library at 338-3884 or visit www.friendsofsearsisland.org.