Summer-like temperatures have arrived in much of Michigan, and as wild flowers and trees bloom, bees have followed.
Bees play a crucial role as pollinators in the seasonal ecosystem in Michigan, but their numbers are dwindling as they face environmental threats, according to Michigan State University Extension.
“Pollinators are essential to our environment and are uniquely linked to our food supply. They pollinate more than 85% of the world’s flowering plants and are ultimately responsible for the seeds and fruits that humans, song birds and even black bears consume,” MSU Extension stated.
Michigan is home to more than 400 native bee species and experts say you can help them get off to a good start this spring.
Are bees out in Michigan?
Yes, bees became active in Michigan with spring’s arrival.
The state is home to more than 400 native bee species, according to Michigan State University Extension. The Michigan Pollinator Institute at MSU says common species include:
Why are bees threatened?
Bees play a key role in the ecosystem and food supply, feeding on nectar and pollen from flowers, the U.S. Forest Service said.
However, issues like climate change, habitat destruction and fragmentation, pesticides, invasive species and disease have led the pollinators’ populations to drop, the National Wildlife Federation noted, spurring conservation efforts to protect bees.
How can I make my yard bee friendly?
To get started on planting your bee-friendly garden, aim for a diverse range of flowering plants, including native plants, the Michigan Pollinator Initiative at Michigan State University said.
Bee-friendly plants, according to The Nature Conservancy, Beverly Bees, Heritage Conservancy, Michigan Pollinator Initiative and Deneweth’s include:
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Bees are buzzing around and experts say you can help them out
Reporting by Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
