Protecting America's Essential Pollinators
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The hum of bumble bees accompanies gardeners during the dog days of summer, and they are busy pollinating farmers' crops to help ensure bountiful harvests. These colorful insects also fill the pages of many children's books and decorate clothing and housewares. Despite their apparent ubiquitousness, bumble bees are disappearing from our farms and countryside, and at least five species in North America have become rare in many parts of their historic ranges. Xerces is working to conserve America's bumble bees and we need your help!
As part of our efforts we have launched a nationwide search for bumble bee nests. Protecting nests and potential nest sites is essential for conserving bumble bees, yet there is remarkably little specific information about them. Have you seen one? Maybe you've encountered a nest in your garden, or under a neighbor's flower pot? If so, you can share information about your discovery at www.xerces.org/bbnest!
We also need help tracking down America's five most imperiled bumble bees. If you live in eastern North America, look out for the rusty-patched, yellow-banded, and American bumble bees. In western states, look for the western and Franklin's bumble bees.
Please visit the bumble bee conservation pages of our website for more information on how to identify these species. If you think you've found one of them, please snap a photo and send it to bumblebees@xerces.org.
The work of bumble bees touches our lives every day. With your help, we can ensure that these quintessential insects of summer have the future they deserve.
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