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We at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are dedicated to protecting the diversity of more than 450 native bee species found within the Great Lakes Basin. These bees range from bumble bees and carpenter bees to orchid bees and mason bees. These tiny pollinators have an important role in maintaining the health of ecosystems across the region. Biological Science Technicians Maria Salem and Megan Houle have committed their careers to understanding these bees and protecting their habitats. In addition to their work with native bees, they also implement pollinator habitat restoration projects through our agency’s Partners for Fish and Wildlife program.
Maria shares her thoughts on the unique contributions of native bees in different types of prairie restoration sites: “While it’s incredible to see large prairie restorations for pollinators, I think small urban pollinator plantings have some of the biggest impact on our native bees. Pollinator gardens in the middle of neighborhoods or city parks, while relatively small, have much more visibility and capacity to create change for pollinators and people. These areas not only provide our native bees with habitat but also give people a natural space to spend time in and appreciate pollinators!”
Diversity and contribution of native bees
The native bees of the Great Lakes Basin are incredibly diverse in size, color, and behavior. Each species has unique characteristics and ecological roles. For example, bumble bees are key for pollinating various flowering plants due to their ability to perform “buzz pollination,” a technique where they vibrate flowers to release pollen. Meanwhile, mason bees are efficient early spring pollinators, vital for the survival of plants that bloom in cooler months.
Megan emphasizes the critical role these bees play in the ecosystem: “Bees are crucial pollinators that facilitate the reproduction of countless flowering plant species that shape landscapes and support the survival of numerous species, including other pollinators and wildlife.”
Threats to native bee populations
Despite their importance, many native bee populations in the Great Lakes region are declining due to several threats, including habitat loss, pesticide exposure, climate change climate change
Climate change includes both global warming driven by human-induced emissions of greenhouse gases and the resulting large-scale shifts in weather patterns. Though there have been previous periods of climatic change, since the mid-20th century humans have had an unprecedented impact on Earth's climate system and caused change on a global scale.
Learn more about climate change , and diseases. The rusty patched bumble bee, for example, was listed as endangered in 2017 and continues to see population declines. The American bumble bee is another species that has experienced substantial declines and is now a species of concern in the region.
“Many bee species are hidden and understudied, leading to an unclear understanding of their status,” Maria explains. “It’s key to understand species distribution and habitat use to protect existing populations effectively.”
Surveying and identifying native bees
To monitor and protect native bee populations, Maria and Megan employ a variety of survey methods. One technique is targeted netting, where they capture bumble bees directly from flowers or in the air and release them.
Identifying these bees is no easy task. Many species look remarkably similar, with subtle differences that require a trained eye and sometimes even a microscope to discern. “Some species of bumble bees have dozens of different color patterns, many of which closely resemble other species,” Megan says. “This diversity is fascinating but can also be very challenging for accurate identification.”
Conservation efforts and community involvement
Despite the challenges, Maria and Megan have seen success in their conservation efforts. In 2022 and 2023, they identified one of North America’s rarest bees, Epeoloides pilosulus, a type of cuckoo bee at Whittlesey Creek National Wildlife Refuge in Wisconsin. Discoveries like these are essential for understanding bee populations and protecting their habitats.
If you are interested in restoring habitat for pollinators and other wildlife on your own property, check out our about our Partners for Fish and Wildlife program.
