
This wildfire season, the hot topic of research is learning how not to be a buzzkill. No, seriously.
Megan Sampognaro (she/her has been studying bee populations impacted by wildfires and prescribed burns and sharing this information with local landowners and biologists in an effort to protect local bee communities.
The Pacific Northwest is no stranger to wildfires or prescribed fires. Fuels management is one of the many controlled methods which forestry professionals use in hopes of preventing more devastating fires. In 2023 alone, 2.59 million acres of forests were treated. This program, while vital to maintaining forest ecosystems, can have adverse effects on the wildlife, including bees.
Megan spent this summer at Lassen National Park in northern California along with a five-person team, where she was able to interact with bee populations and other wildlife. Some of her research goals included gathering the highest quality data possible and to connect with the local community. “I want to make connections with the landowners and community in the area of my study as I know it will have direct impacts on them and I love communicating my work to the public, and to help my crew make lasting connections with other scientists in the field.”
One of the highlights of the trip was spending time outdoors and with her crew. “I have a really amazing group and I know this is a time in my life I will look back on fondly.”