Create a Native Bee Friendly Garden

Pollinators are responsible for about 75% of the food we eat. The European honeybee is the most well known but our native bees are also critically important. We can help our native bees and gardens by reducing or eliminating the use of pesticides and providing shelter as well as food and water. About 70% of our native bees are ground nesting. Leave the soil exposed in a few warm spots. Wood and cavity nesting bees, like this leaf cutter bee make up about 30% of our native bee population. Others nest in hollow plant stems so leave these, their homes, stand for winter. Bumblebees nest in abandoned animal burrows, tree cavities, grassy areas, or under fallen leaves.