Iowa's Native Bees at Risk: A Call for Conservation and Volunteer Action

In the midst of a flourishing beekeeping trend that has seen honeybee populations across the United States reach almost four million colonies in 2022, a stark contrast emerges in the plight of Iowa's native bees. Despite the growing enthusiasm among farmers and amateur gardeners, which has contributed to the expansion of honeybee numbers in Iowa, the state's native bee species face a worrying decline, highlighting a pressing need for focused conservation efforts.

The Growing Buzz Around Beekeeping

The popularity of beekeeping has surged, evidenced by the booming beekeeping program at Indian Creek Nature Center, where 50 to 75 students annually enroll in classes.
Honeybees are increasingly welcomed in urban settings, with cities revising ordinances to accommodate beekeeping.

The Plight of Iowa's Native Bees

Contrary to the honeybee's success story, Iowa's native bee populations are dwindling, with four species now endangered.
Experts like Iowa State Entomology Professor Matt O’Neal attribute this decline to pesticide exposure, diseases, and notably, poor forage — collectively referred to as the "three P's."

The Bumblebee Atlas Initiative

To address this pressing issue, Iowa State University, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation have launched the Bumblebee Atlas.
This collaborative project aims to track native bee populations across Iowa, gathering vital data to inform future conservation strategies.
Volunteers are key to this endeavor, with an invitation extended to those interested in contributing to the Atlas, starting with an online training event on April 13th.

FAQs

Why are native bees important? Native bees play a crucial role in pollinating wild plants and agricultural crops, supporting biodiversity and food production.
How can I contribute to conserving native bees? Participate in initiatives like the Bumblebee Atlas, create bee-friendly gardens, and advocate for policies reducing pesticide use.
What challenges do native bees face? The "three P's" — pesticide exposure, pathogens, and poor forage — are significant threats to their survival.
How does the Bumblebee Atlas help? By mapping native bee populations, the Atlas provides essential data for developing effective conservation practices.

#BeeConservation #SaveTheBees #EnvironmentalAction #IowaNativeBees #BumblebeeAtlas

The U.S. has seen a significant increase in honeybee colonies, with nearly four million reported in 2022, up from three million in 2017.
Interest in beekeeping has surged in Iowa, with programs like the one at Indian Creek Nature Center experiencing booming enrollment.
Despite the increase in honeybee populations, Iowa's native bee species are in decline, with four species considered endangered.
The decline is attributed to pesticide exposure, diseases (pathogens), and poor forage (the "three P's").
Iowa State University, the Iowa DNR, and the Xerces Society are collaborating on the Bumblebee Atlas project to track native bee populations across Iowa.
The project aims to collect data to support future conservation efforts, ensuring native bees can thrive similarly to honeybees.
Volunteers are encouraged to participate in the Bumblebee Atlas, with an online training event scheduled for April 13th.