News — Native Plants

Each month our Bee Informed Blog highlights current news, science, and research related to solitary bee conservation, food insecurity, and sustainability. 1. How to Attract and Maintain Pollinators in your Garden  Have you ever wondered how you can attract pollinators to your garden? Check out this fantastic resource from the University of California, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and learn how to design a lawn and garden that will attract a variety of pollinators. 2. Bee Friendly Farming Bee Friendly Farming (BFF) is a certification program from Pollinator Partnership working with farmers to help protect, preserve and promote pollinator health. Created by Kathy Kellison, in...

Native plants are plants that have evolved over hundreds or thousands of years in particular regions or ecosystems. In the United States, only plants found in this country before European settlement are considered native. Native plants provide numerous benefits: Native plants provide nectar, pollen, and seeds that serve as food for native insects, birds, and other animals. Non-natives do not always provide the necessary nutrients for our native animals to thrive. Native plants can help you save money and water. Since native plants are adapted to local soils and climates, they don't require as much water and fertilizer as non-natives....

Did you know there are over 20,000 known bee species globally, and 4,000 of those species live in North America? The smallest, Perdita minima, is less than two millimeters long! Each species is unique and pollinates different plants at different times. For instance, mason bee species are essential for blueberry and raspberry pollination, while squash bees are the best for squash and pumpkins. While not every bee you see is a super-pollinator, all of them combined are important in helping our diversity of plants thrive. But, the bees need our help. Many populations are declining due to habitat loss, heavy pesticide use, climate...