LEWISTON — The Stanton Bird Club of Lewiston and Auburn will hold its next meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 4, in Room 285 at the University of Southern Maine Lewiston-Auburn College, 55 Westminster St.

Beth Swartz, wildlife biologist in the Research and Assessment Section of the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, will share information about the Maine Bumble Bee Atlas project, which she coordinates.

The five-year, statewide survey began in May 2015 and is modeled after the Maine Butterfly Survey and Maine Damselfly and Dragonfly Survey. The project marshals the efforts of volunteer citizen scientists from all across Maine.

Bumblebees are an essential part of pollination for flowering plants, fruits and vegetables. Significant declines in some bumblebee species were detected in North America beginning in the late 1990s. This project aims to increase knowledge about the status of the bumblebees in Maine. Seventeen species are known to live in Maine, and the study will seek to document the diversity, distribution and abundance of these throughout the state. 

Other upcoming events include:

Birding for Beginners Trip: Saturday, April 9. The walk is open to anyone regardless of birding skills, but beginners are encouraged to join. The group will meet at 8:30 a.m. at the Promenade Mall, 855 Lisbon St. Carpooling will be arranged to the Riverwalk in Lewiston. Those attending should dress warm. Dan Marquis will lead the trip. FMI: 207-513-8213.

Bates Bird Walk: Tuesday, April 26. The walks meet at 6 a.m. and begin in front of Hathorn Hall and travel past Mt. David to Riverside Cemetery. Trip finishes by circling Lake Andrew. Return time is 8:30 a.m. Walk leaders include Judy Marden, Doug Boyd and Steve Reed. FMI: 207-319-6630.

Spring Sunday Afternoon at Thorncrag: Date to be determined, April. The date has not yet been scheduled. These afternoons include the availability of a nature guide at 1 p.m. to assist hikers one dry Sunday each month in April, May and June. Guide will be at Hayward Gazebo adjacent to the parking lot off Montell Street.

All meetings and trips are free and open to everyone.