Friends of the Mid-Columba National Wildlife Refuges had two events for our June 6th ‘Celebrate Invertebrates’ day. ​

Shannon and Mike Truex brought microscopes and magnifying glasses for viewing of freshly-caught (and still alive!) invertebrates netted that morning from mud along the marshy shoreline of the Quail Trail. Dragonfly larva, striders and a variety of small critters living in our shoreline were easily seen at their display and then returned to their home waters.

And Master Melittologist  (a scientist who studies bees) Lisa Robinson gave two presentations. Her first talk was explaining the difference between a bee, wasp and fly.  She then led participants on a ‘bee-watching’ tour of the McNary Heritage and Pollinator Gardens where a number of bees mentioned in her talk were observed. Her second presentation focused on activities of the Washington Native Bee Society and the iNaturalist project. Volunteers for the project are needed to help identify our native bee population and the plants that they are found on.

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​More information on this project and how to participate can be found at https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/washington-native-bee-society

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Friends of Mid-Columbia River Wildlife Refuge's Vision:
Engage and enlighten people of all ages to the value of wildlife and habitat.  Inspire wonder, curiosity and appreciation for our earth through connection with the Refuges.

Pictures by Larry Umthun, Jan James, Jenny Rieke, Denise Mcinturff