Bee Bioblitz

Discover and Document Local Pollinators with the Oswego Lake Watershed Council

The 2025 Bee BioBlitz is a community-driven event hosted by the Oswego Lake Watershed Council (OLWC), where residents of Lake Oswego explore, document, and learn about local pollinators. The event offers an exciting opportunity to get outside, engage with nature, and contribute to an important scientific effort.

Using the iNaturalist app, participants will help track and record pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other important species that support our ecosystems. Whether you’re new to the world of pollinators or a seasoned naturalist, this event is for everyone — no experience necessary!

Discover the Fascinating World of Lake Oswego’s Bees!
Join us for an up-close look at the diverse bee species of the Portland area, from the mighty Bumblebees to the tiny Miner Bees. Learn about their favorite flowers, the best spots to discover their baby nurseries, and get answers to intriguing questions like: What looks like a bee but isn’t? and Why do Bumblebees sleep on flowers overnight? We’ll also dive into Bee-Friendly Practices you can adopt to create a welcoming environment for these essential pollinators right in your own yard. Don’t miss the chance to join our live Q&A session at the end — bring your questions and curiosity!

Leah Puhlman is an Oregon State University Extension Master Gardener and instructor for the 10-Minute University™ Program. With years of experience raising mason bees and contributing to the PNW Bumble Bee Atlas, Leah is also the unofficial bee wrangler at the Oregon Zoo.

She and her husband have transformed their Portland-area garden into a certified wildlife habitat. Leah’s garden philosophy is centered around Compassionate Gardening, focusing on plants that support wildlife while honoring those that evoke memories of loved ones.

As director of Environment Oregon, Celeste Meiffren-Swango develops and runs campaigns to win real results for Oregon’s environment. She has worked on issues ranging from preventing plastic pollution, stopping global warming, defending clean water, and protecting our beautiful places.

Celeste’s organizing has helped to reduce kids’ exposure to lead in drinking water at childcare facilities in Oregon, encourage transportation electrification, ban single-use plastic grocery bags, defend our bedrock environmental laws and more. She is also the author of the children’s book, Myrtle the Turtle, empowering kids to prevent plastic pollution. Celeste lives in Portland, Ore., with her husband and two daughters, where they frequently enjoy the bounty of Oregon’s natural beauty.

• Check out the More Resources information below.