Bee Curious

Bee Species

California is home to a diverse range of bee and bumblebee species with over 1,600 different types of bees identified in the state. This rich biodiversity includes various bumblebee species, contributing to the essential pollination of California's agricultural crops and wild plants. Protecting these pollinators is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and supporting local ecosystems.​​​​​​​

Host Plants

Host plants are the flowering plants that provide bees with the nectar and pollen they need to survive. In California, native bumblebees rely on plants like California poppies, lupines, manzanita, ceanothus, and milkweed. These plants bloom throughout the seasons, offering vital food sources and nesting support.

Without a diverse range of native host plants, bees struggle to feed, reproduce, and thrive - making plant conservation just as important as bee conservation. By planting and protecting these species, we help keep California’s wild landscapes buzzing.

Bee Population Decline

Bees are facing extinction due to several threats. Habitat loss from urban development and agriculture removes the flowers and nesting areas they rely on. Pesticides, especially neonicotinoids, poison bees and weaken their immune systems. Climate change disrupts bloom cycles and temperatures bees need to survive, while diseases and competition from non-native species like honeybees further strain native populations. Together, these pressures are pushing many bumblebee species in California - and around the world - toward collapse.

Importance of Bees

Bees, especially bumblebees, are essential pollinators - they help grow the fruits, vegetables, and wildflowers we all rely on. Without them, ecosystems break down and food supplies shrink. Bumblebees are particularly important because they can pollinate plants that other bees can’t, thanks to their unique buzz-pollination skills. Protecting them means protecting nature’s balance.