Where have all the bees gone?

Where have all the bees gone?

More than 700 species of native bees are in decline across America. Half of those are at risk of extinction. Poisoned by toxic pesticides and displaced by development, bees are struggling to survive with fewer and fewer safe places to live.

By planting more bee-friendly habitat, we can help bee populations thrive.

Even tiny patches of habitat can make a big difference for bees

Even tiny patches of habitat on roadsides, in public parks, and on government lawns could make a huge difference for bees.

Of course, flowering plants provide vital nutrients for bees in the spring and summertime with the pollen and nectar in their blooms.

But even as the temperature cools, leaves fall, and autumn begins, bees still get plenty of use out of patches of wild habitat. A carpet of autumn leaves provides great shelter for bumblebees and other overwintering pollinators who wait out the coldest months in underground burrows. Even the dead stems of last season’s plants can shelter insects through the winter if they are allowed to stay standing.

Dedicating more public land to pollinator habitat will help save the bees all year round.

Ask your governor to protect pollinators by planting more bee-friendly habitat

Governors can protect bees by committing to plant more bee-friendly habitat on public lands in your state.

Planting bee-friendly habitat is a proven strategy. One study found that bees and other pollinators thrive in cities and towns when the right kinds of plants are allowed to grow in public gardens and parks.

Native bees are estimated to pollinate more than 80% of the flowering plants in the world. If we want another colorful, blossoming spring to look forward to next year, we need to focus on making more habitat safe for bees right now.

It’s quick and easy to send a message in support of bee-friendly habitat to your governor today. Bees are counting on us.