Meet Jim Maurer, a Bellevue local who’s turning his gardening hobby into a full-blown conservation effort. Jim isn’t like most of us; where we might hustle away from the buzz of bees, he dives right in, net in hand, on a mission to help save them. As a volunteer for the Pacific Northwest Bumble Bee Atlas, Jim spends his days at Juanita Bay Park, conducting crucial research on bumble bees. This park, a lush oasis in the community, has become a field lab for Jim, where every captured bee brings us one step closer to understanding how we can protect these vital pollinators.

The work Jim does is both simple and profound. With just an ice chest, some glass vials, and a trusty net, he’s part of a larger effort to track, study, and conserve Washington’s bumble bee populations. His dedication shines a light on the significance of citizen science—a powerful tool that enables everyday people to contribute to scientific discoveries. By mapping the habits and habitats of Juanita Bay Park’s bumble bees, Jim’s research helps tackle the alarming decline of these species, crucial for pollinating everything from tomatoes to blueberries. It’s a tale of curiosity turned to conservation, all unfolding in the heart of our community.

But how does one go about studying bees in a sprawling, 10-acre pollinator meadow? For Jim, it’s all about the chase and capture. After identifying a bumble bee, Jim expertly scoops it into his net, gently transfers it into a vial, and places it on ice to calm down. This method allows him to carefully photograph the bee, identifying its species without causing harm. Alongside capturing bees, Jim also conducts habitat surveys, documenting flowering plants and conditions that could impact the bee populations—like pesticide use or improper mowing. This meticulous record-keeping paints a detailed picture of the local ecosystem and its pollinators.

The broader impact of Jim’s volunteer work is monumental. By contributing to the Pacific Northwest Bumble Bee Atlas, he provides data critical to understanding the decline of bumble bee populations. This isn’t just about bees—it’s about our environment, food security, and community well-being. Citizen science projects like Jim’s bind the community and scientists in a united effort to preserve our natural world. Juanita Bay Park’s transformation, under the guidance of individuals like Jim and the support of local parks departments, serves as a beacon for conservation efforts everywhere. It proves that with dedication and community involvement, we can nurture ecosystems where pollinators thrive.

Jim’s work is a testament to the power of passion blended with purpose. A retired engineer, he’s found a perfect match in the Atlas project, combining his love for research, data, photography, and the great outdoors. His story is inspiring, encouraging us to look into our backyards for opportunities to contribute to our community’s health and resilience. From identifying each bee species to aiding in their conservation, Jim’s hobby-turned-mission is a clarion call to us all: let’s turn our gardens into gateways for conservation. Juanita Bay Park and its bumble bees are a reminder of the beauty and importance of nurturing the places where we live and play.