Plight of the Bumblebee
The Threatened “American Bumble Bee” and the heroes dedicated to preserving our bees
My “Endangered Species Series” shines a spotlight on an endangered or threatened species. My goal is to not focus on the “why” it is endangered (most typically habitat destruction) but the “who” that are doing their part to help save species from extinction. I believe there is hope for our unique creatures.
The “American Bumble Bee”
The American Bumble Bee (Bombus pensylvanicus), once chosen as the US Forest Service and USDA “Pollinator-of-the-Month,” was described before the US gained its independence. At that time, the AMBB could be found throughout North America. Since 2000, its population has plummeted 90%. It is now only found in a fraction of its native range.
While the American Bumble Bee has not been officially listed as a species protected under the Endangered Species Act, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced in 2021 that the AMBB may warrant protection under said act. As of April 2024, due to its failure to make a decision about the AMBB, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service was sued by the Center for Biological Diversity.
The fuzzy, yellow-striped fliers nest on the ground. Lucky house hunters find abandoned rodent holes that are warm and fur-lined near their favorite native flowers: asters, goldenrods, and trout lilies, to name a few.
“The bees are flying. They taste the spring.” — Sylvia Plath
America harbors around 4000 bee species. Native bee diversity is crucial for pollinating wild plants and crops, and it is essential to ensuring the pollination of approximately 75% of US food crops. Unfortunately, one in four native bee species is at risk of extinction. Luckily, there are heroes working to preserve and call attention to our valuable bee species.
The Power of Art as a Tool for Advocacy
Artist and muralist Matt Willey is hand-painting 50,000 honey bees — the number in a healthy hive — in murals and installations around the world to raise awareness about the plight of the bees. Willey founded The Good of the Hive project after having a personal encounter with a honey bee in 2008. Willey states the project is “a global art project that generates change…one pollinator at a time”. Willey has currently painted 10,254 murals and installations of amazingly realistic bees in the US and worldwide.
“Art activism is about sparking curiosity in order to inspire people to want (and create) change.” — Matt Willey
There are many other bee murals around the world painted by artists that find it important to call attention to the plight of our bee populations.
A Big Name Making Big Change
Actor Morgan Freeman appeared in an interview with Jimmy Fallon in 2014. As part of his interview, Freeman explained that, after learning about the alarming decrease in the bee population, he was motivated to help. Freeman imported 26 hives to his 124-acre ranch in Mississippi. He planted many bee-friendly plants and trees such as magnolia trees, lavender, and clover. He feeds them daily stating that he has “a special relationship” with the bees. With the space and the care he has given the bees, Freeman is a bee hero.
“There is a concerted effort for bringing bees back onto the planet…We do not realize that they are the foundation, I think, of the growth of the planet…” — Morgan Freeman
Be a Bee Hero — Plant a Pollinator Garden
Invite bees and other pollinators to your garden. Plant a garden especially for them!
- Plant flowers that are native to your area. You can create a safe-haven for bees by planting nectar-rich native flowers. These flowers will attract and feed your bees. I’ve planted what I call my “Bee Garden”. Both my and the bees favorite native flowers are California Poppies and Bergamot. If you are unsure what flowers are native to your area, the ‘Selecting Plants for Pollinators’ guide by the Pollinator Partnership is tailored to specific areas of the United States. Find what flowers work best for your area and then have fun planting them.
- Both the bees and you can benefit. I have found that my “Bee Garden” not only benefits the bees but also myself. I enjoy hearing them hum and watching them fly from flower to flower collecting the nectar. It’s very calming and meditative.
- Plant flowers and herbs in a flower pot or other small space. You don’t need a lot of space to plant a pollinator garden. A container full of herbs and flowers or a flower box on a balcony are all you need to feed your local pollinators.
- Go a little crazy and “de-pave” your driveway. You can turn it into a native flower oasis for the local bee population.
- Plant flowers that bloom in all seasons. To thrive, bees need nectar early in the spring, throughout the summer, and even into the fall. Research which flowers would work best in your area. Keep your flower garden beautiful the whole season!
- Chemical-free is the way to be! Avoid using pesticides, herbicides, and fungicides. If you do need to use pesticides, try organic alternatives that are kind to bees. Find a website or ask your local nursery what organic alternatives to try.
With the American Bumble Bee’s decline, there is still hope for its protection under the Endangered Species Act. I find it heartening that there are many heroes raising awareness in many interesting ways to support the conservation of our beneficial bee species. You can be a hero, too.
Thank you for reading!
-Monica J Hampton
