Native Pollinators

• North America is home to a diverse range of native pollinators, including bees, butterflies, moths, beetles, flies, wasps, and hummingbirds. In fact, it's estimated that there are over 4,000 species of native bees in North America, many of which are important pollinators for crops and wild plants.

• California, in particular, is known for its rich diversity of native bees, with approximately 1,600 species of bees documented within the state. This makes California one of the most bee-rich regions in the world. However, like many other parts of the world, native bee populations in California are under threat from habitat loss, pesticide exposure, climate change, and other factors. Conservation efforts are crucial for protecting these important pollinators and maintaining healthy ecosystems.

• While honey bees are well known for their social behavior and hive structures, the majority of native pollinators are actually solitary bees. Solitary native bees do not live in colonies like honey bees, but instead mostly nest on their own, usually in underground burrows, hollow plant stems, or holes in wood.

• Solitary native bees are important pollinators for many plants and crops and can be more efficient pollinators than honey bees in certain situations. Because they do not live in colonies, solitary bees do not have a queen to protect, so they are less aggressive and less likely to sting than honey bees. Additionally, most honey bees gather either nectar and pollen whereas individual solitary native bees gather both pollen and nectar, making them efficient pollinators.

• The European honey bee (Apis mellifera), is the most widely recognized and well-known bee, it is not native to North America but was introduced to the continent by European settlers in the early 1600s.

• Many native bees are more effective at pollinating certain crops than honey bees and can have important symbiotic relationships with specific plant species. For example, the blue orchard bee (Osmia lignaria) is a native bee that is highly effective at pollinating fruit trees like apples, cherries, and almonds. Studies have shown that blue orchard bees are 4-5 times more effective at pollinating apples than honey bees.

• Other types of native bees, such as bumble bees and sweat bees, are also important pollinators for a variety of plants and crops, including tomatoes, peppers, and squash. In addition to their pollination services, many native bees have also developed specialized relationships with specific plants, such as the squash bee (Peponapis pruinosa), which is the primary pollinator for many types of squash and gourds.

• Bees, along with other pollinators such as butterflies, moths, birds, bats, and some species of flies and beetles, play crucial roles in pollinating many of the world's flowering plants. In fact, it's estimated that around 75% of all flowering plant species rely on animal pollinators for reproduction.

• Bees are responsible for pollinating a significant portion of the world's food crops. In fact, it's estimated that one out of every three bites of food that we eat is made possible by pollinators like bees. Many important food crops, such as almonds, apples, avocados, blueberries, coffee, cucumbers, melons, and squash, rely on bees for pollination. Without pollinators, these crops would produce lower yields and lower-quality fruit, which could lead to food shortages and higher prices. It's important to note that while honey bees are often the most well-known and widely recognized pollinators for crops, native bees, and other pollinators also play important roles in crop pollination. By supporting a diversity of native pollinators, we can help ensure the continued health and productivity of our ecosystems and food systems.

"The Power of Pollinators" is a PBS Nature documentary that explores the importance of pollinators in maintaining the balance of ecosystems and the challenges they face in the modern world. The film showcases the role of different pollinators, from bees to bats, and the crucial role they play in pollinating the crops that we depend on for food.

The film is an informative and visually stunning exploration of the vital role that pollinators play in our world. It raises awareness about the challenges that these important creatures face and the need for action to protect them. It is a call to action for individuals, communities, and policymakers to take steps to support pollinators and ensure a sustainable future for our planet.

Let's take a look at the different pollinator-friendly gardens in the San Francisco Bay Area as well as places where you can purchase native plants to plant in your own backyard (see icon for legend on lower left side of map).

Though bees are the number one pollinators there are many more native pollinators in California. These pollinators include butterflies, birds, moths, wasps, bats, other insects.

Whether you have a giant backyard or simply a planter box outside your window, planting flowering native species helps the native pollinator community.

When selecting plants for your yard, it's important to choose species that are native to your region, as these are the plants that local pollinators have evolved to rely on for food and habitat. By planting native species, you can provide a reliable food source for pollinators and help support their populations as well as songbirds that feed on seeds of plants.

It's also important to choose plants that bloom at different times throughout the year, as this can help ensure that there is a consistent food source for pollinators throughout the season. This can include early-blooming plants like pussy willow and crocus, mid-season bloomers like coneflower and bee balm, and late-season plants like goldenrod and asters.

In addition to providing food for pollinators, planting a range of native species can also promote biodiversity in your yard and community. By creating a diverse habitat that includes a variety of plant species, you can support a wide range of wildlife and help create a healthy and resilient ecosystem.

Set up a bee house in your garden. To set up a bee house, you can either purchase one from a local nursery or make one yourself (DIY). Bee houses can be made from materials like untreated wood, bamboo, or hollow reeds. It's important to ensure that the materials used are safe for bees and free of harmful chemicals.

When setting up your bee house, it's important to place it in a dry, sheltered area of your garden, ideally facing south or southeast to maximize sun exposure. You can then fill the nesting houses with materials like natural reeds, paper tubes, or reusable wood trays. Make sure to provide a range of tube diameters to accommodate different species of bees. One can also drill different size holes in wooden posts for native bees to use for nesting.

It's important to note that while bee houses can be a great way to support native pollinators, they should be used in addition to, rather than instead of, natural nesting sites like soil or wood cavities. Bees also require reliable floral food sources and a variety of nesting materials, so it's important to also plant native flowering species and provide other habitat elements like undisturbed soil.

Providing a clayey mud mixture near the mason bee nests can be beneficial for the bees because it makes it easier for them to find and use mud for nest construction. The clayey mud mixture can be made by mixing equal parts of clay soil and water to form a thick paste.

By providing the mud mixture within 25-ft of the mason bee nests, you are making it more readily available for the bees to access the mud and construct their nests. This can increase the number of nest sites, which can ultimately help the mason bee population thrive. 

Creating mud for mason bees is an important step in providing a suitable nesting environment for them. Here are a few ways to create mud for mason bees without wasting water:

1. Collect Rainwater: One of the easiest ways to create mud for mason bees is to collect rainwater in a container. Place the container in a location where it can collect rainwater naturally, and then use the water to create mud for the bees. This way, you are not wasting any water from your home's supply.
2. Add Clay to Soil: If you have soil that is rich in clay, you can add a small amount of water to create mud for mason bees. Clay retains water well and creates a sticky, compact mud that is perfect for the bees to use.
3. Use a Drip Irrigation System: If you have a garden or yard with a drip irrigation system, you can use it to create mud for mason bees. Simply set up a drip line in an area where you want the bees to nest, and allow the water to flow slowly to create a muddy area. This method uses very little water and ensures that the water is not wasted.

By using these methods, you can create mud for mason bees without wasting water or ponding water where mosquitoes might infest. It's important to provide these beees with a suitable nesting environment to ensure their survival and help them thrive in your garden or yard.

One way to help support leafcutter bees in your garden is to provide them with soft plant materials that they can use to build their nests. This can include things like the soft leaves of plants such as roses, raspberries, or bee balm, as well as the petals of flowers like dahlias, pansies, or peonies.

Pesticides and herbicides are designed to kill or control certain types of pests, but they can also harm non-target organisms, including beneficial insects such as bees, butterflies, and ladybugs. Even small amounts of these chemicals can have harmful effects on beneficial insects, disrupting their behavior, reproduction, and immune systems.

When pesticides and herbicides are used in a garden or other outdoor space, they can also contaminate the soil and nearby water sources, further impacting the ecosystem and potentially harming wildlife and human health.

To avoid harming beneficial insects and promoting a healthy ecosystem, it is best to avoid using pesticides and herbicides in your garden whenever possible. Instead, consider using natural pest control methods, such as companion planting, hand-picking pests, or using natural insect repellents. You can also promote a healthy garden ecosystem by incorporating organic gardening practices, such as building healthy soil, using compost, and planting a diverse array of plants.

If your having a hard time figuring out how to get involved in your community effort to save native pollinators look up your local native pollinators association, beekeepers association, or UC Master Gardener program. Joining these local groups can be an excellent way to get involved in community efforts to save native pollinators. These associations often organize events, workshops, and educational programs that can help you learn more about native pollinators and how to support them.

If there isn't a native pollinator association in your community, starting one yourself can be a great way to get involved and make a difference.

To start a native pollinator association, you can begin by reaching out to others who share your interest in conservation efforts for bees and other pollinators. You can do this by posting garden photos on social media, putting up flyers in local community centers, or hosting a meeting at a local garden to discuss the idea with interested individuals.

Once you have a group of people who are interested in starting a native pollinator association, you can begin planning events and activities to educate others about the importance of pollinators and ways to support them. This can include workshops on building nesting sites, planting pollinator-friendly gardens, and reducing pesticide use.

In addition to these educational efforts, your native pollinator association can also work to create habitats and provide resources for pollinators in your community. This can include planting native wildflowers, creating nesting sites, and working with local government officials to reduce pesticide use in public spaces.

Starting a native pollinator association can be a rewarding way to make a positive impact on your community and the environment. With dedication and effort, you can help protect and support these important species for generations to come.

Write to your legislation. One of the best ways to make a difference is by letting your legislators know about the importance of pollinators to the health of our world and the need for showcasing ways to protect and conserve pollinators, including demonstrator pollinator sites on public lands such as county and state offices.

Make an informational booth at your local farmers market or a flyer at your urban garden showcasing pollinator conservation efforts. Farmers and gardeners alike will be the first ones to tell you how important pollinators are for producing food. By having an informational booth you are educating the community on how important bees are for the produce they are buying.

In her TEDx talk titled "How to Increase Food Production by Using Native Pollinators," Laura Klahre highlights the importance of native pollinators in agriculture and provides practical ways to support them. As a farmer and beekeeper, Klahre stresses that pollinators play a crucial role in food production, contributing to the reproduction of over 70% of the world's crops.

Klahre emphasizes the value of native pollinators over honey bees, as they are better adapted to the local ecosystem and are more efficient pollinators. She suggests several ways to encourage native pollinators, including planting native flowering plants, providing nesting habitats, and avoiding the use of pesticides.

Klahre's talk is an important reminder of the critical role that pollinators play in our food system and the need to protect and support them. She also highlights the importance of sustainable farming practices that take into account the natural ecosystem and promote biodiversity.

Overall, Klahre's talk is informative and inspiring, providing practical solutions that individuals and farmers can implement to increase food production and support native pollinators. It is a call to action for everyone to play their part in preserving our environment and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

Diseases, mites, and parasitoid wasps are all threats to honey bees and solitary native bees. Healthy bees are best able to defend against these pests and diseases. To keep bees healthy, ensure they have habitat for shelter and nesting, flowering plants for nectar and pollen resources, access to water, and avoid using pesticides, especially on blooming flowers.

Some troublesome issues include the following for bees:

Parasitic wasps can lay their eggs inside the eggs or larvae of other insects, including bees. The eggs of the parasitic wasp hatch and the larvae consume the host insect from the inside, eventually killing it. This behavior is a natural form of pest control and helps to keep populations of other insects in check. However, it can also be harmful to important pollinators such as bees.

Pollen mites are tiny mites feeding on the pollen stores inside bee nests. They can weaken colonies by consuming pollen reserves, which are vital for the survival of bee larvae. This can lead to reduced brood production and weaken the overall health of the colony. In severe cases, it can even cause colony collapse.

Varroa mite (Varroa destructor) is a parasitic mite that is a major pest of honey bees. These mites feed on adult bees and their developing brood, weakening and eventually killing the colony if left untreated. The varroa mite is considered to be one of the primary factors contributing to colony collapse disorder, a phenomenon in which bee colonies abruptly and mysteriously disappear. Varroa mites have become a significant problem for beekeepers worldwide and require careful management to control their populations.

Various pathogens also affect bees, including viruses and American foulbrood, a bacterial disease that is especially troublesome in honeybee hives.

Learning about native pollinators is an essential step in preserving the environment and ensuring a healthy ecosystem. There are many resources available for those who are interested in learning more about these important creatures, including books, websites, and organizations dedicated to their protection. By educating ourselves and getting involved in our communities, we can help protect and promote the survival of native pollinators. Some useful resources for more information include the Xerces Society, the Pollinator Partnership, and the Native Bee Society.

•  pollinator.org 
•  inaturalist.com 
• bugguide.org
•  discoverlife.or