Honey bees get all the attention — and we adore them — but did you know there are over 4,000 species of native bees in North America alone?
These often-overlooked pollinators are just as important to our ecosystems and food systems as their honey-making cousins.
🌿 A Few Native Bee VIPs:
Bumblebees – Fuzzy, clumsy, and excellent cold-weather foragers
Mason Bees – Tiny blue-black bees that use mud to build their nests
Leafcutter Bees – Snip neat circles from leaves to create cozy tunnels
Sweat Bees – Small and often metallic green — gentle and effective
🐝 Why They Matter:
Many native bees are better pollinators than honey bees — they “buzz pollinate,” which certain crops need.
They are often solitary, meaning they don’t live in hives — and don’t sting unless seriously provoked.
Their populations are declining too, largely from habitat loss and pesticides.
🌼 How to Help:
Plant native flowers (the ones that evolved with them!)
Leave some bare earth or dead wood for nesting
Skip the sprays — even organic pesticides can harm pollinators
Don’t panic if your garden looks a little wild — that’s exactly what they love
When we protect native bees, we’re preserving beauty, balance, and biodiversity. Small choices create big ripples.
