Habitat Zone 5: Bee Nesting Area

The Bee Habitat focuses on structure and materials for nesting and overwintering native bees. The various structures include brush piles, large and small logs, existing trees, and several bunch grasses like Great Basin, wild rye, and little blue stem. Vegetation is relatively minimal to allow exposure of bare ground. Bare ground, bunch grasses, and available cavities in decaying wood, trees, and rodent burrows are all critical components of habitat for most of our native bees. The Bee Habitat, like the Wetlands, adds an additional level of diversity to the overall pollinator environment. With an abundance of nearby nectaring opportunities in other areas of the habitat, the Bee Habitat is the perfect native bee abode.

Audio 5 Transcription (audio time, minutes 2:17): 

You may have already heard of European honeybees, who play an important role for agriculture and honey production throughout the state -- but did you know that Utah is home to many, many native species of pollinating insects? We already know we have more than 900 kinds of native bees (with many more yet to be discovered), 200 types of butterflies and moths, and even more beetles, flies, and other insects that pollinate flowers -- and we're still counting! Native pollinators need healthy habitats for their life-cycle needs and, in turn, they help keep the ecosystem healthy.

Healthy pollinator habitat includes undisturbed areas for nesting, such as bare soil, accumulated leaf litter, bunch grasses, and downed wood that provide protection from predators and harsh weather. A variety of native plants that bloom during the spring, summer, and fall provide important sources of nutrition, like nectar and pollen, for hungry pollinators. Even a small area with the right mix of floral resources can support many important species. 

Community science plays a valuable role in pollinator conservation. Observations and photos shared by volunteers can provide important data for biologists who need more information about species diversity and abundance. Pollinator habitat restoration projects like this one at the Perry Rest Area can greatly benefit from information shared by rest area visitors. To help us learn about the types of insect pollinators that are using this improved habitat, an iNaturalist project has been established for visitors to submit photos of bees, butterflies, flies, and beetles in and around the area. Report your sightings by clicking the QR code on the sign to directly access this iNaturalist project. 

Different species will use this habitat throughout the year as different types of flowers come into bloom. Keep your eyes peeled for activity on open flowers and you might just spot some busy little friends! 

This is Mindy Wheeler and Amanda Barth from Utah State University working on pollinators and their associations with native plants.