Wild Bee Education at Siena Heights University

Honeybee with pollen basket Wild bee pollinating a flower

Founded in 1919, Siena Heights University is a Catholic institution sponsored by the Adrian Dominican Sisters. The university welcomes students of all backgrounds and offers associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. Rooted in a mission of learning, service, and community engagement, Siena Heights integrates stewardship of the natural world into education, encouraging students to explore how environmental health, biodiversity, and pollinators support thriving ecosystems.

Discover Wild Bees Here

The bees in this house do not make honey or live in hives. They don’t have a queen to protect and have little reason to sting. They are peaceful to observe, safe around schools, gardens, and campus walkways, and fascinating to watch as they belly flop from flower to flower.

There are over 20,000 bee species in the world, and more than 4,000 live in the United States. Most are wild bees that nest alone in hollow stems, abandoned tunnels, and bee houses like this one.

Why Wild Bees Matter

They pollinate more efficiently. Many wild bees carry pollen loosely on their bellies and brush against every part of the flower. Nearly every flower visit results in pollination.

They support healthy landscapes. Wild bees help pollinate native flowers, gardens, farms, forests, and meadows, supporting food crops and habitat for birds, butterflies, and wildlife.

They fill pollination gaps. Wild bees are not affected by many of the pests and diseases that challenge honeybees, making them valuable partners in nature and agriculture.

They are perfect backyard neighbors. Mason bees and Summer Leaf bees are gentle, easy to raise, and can increase pollination in home gardens.

Wild bees are active for only a few weeks each year. The rest of the time, they grow into larvae, spin cocoons, develop into adults, and hibernate until spring or summer.

Here is an example of the Mason bee lifecycle:

Bee lifecycle illustration

You Can Help!

You will not get honey from wild bees, but you will enjoy healthier gardens, more fruits and vegetables, and stronger ecosystems that support birds, butterflies, and wildlife.

  • Plant native flowers that bloom in different seasons to support bees all year.
  • Leave natural areas for nesting insects by mowing less and keeping stems, grasses, and leaf litter.
  • Avoid pesticides and herbicides that harm bees and reduce nesting habitat.
  • Use openable nesting tubes to keep bee houses healthy year after year.
  • Explore the Guide to Rewilding: Guide to Rewilding
  • See which bees live near you: Where the Wild Bees Are

We’re Here to Help

Crown Bees helps families, educators, gardeners, and nature centers successfully host wild bees. Explore our free resources: