This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act! Join us as we highlight species throughout the year that have benefited from this landmark legislation.
Once an abundant pollinator in South Carolina, the rusty patched bumble bee was listed as a federally endangered species in 2017. As a social species, the queen bees are the only members of the colony to survive the winter, and they rely on flowers for food once they emerge in early spring. Check out the ways you can help not only bumble bees, but all pollinators:
Grow a mix of native flowers, shrubs, and trees that bloom throughout the year to sustain pollinators throughout the season
Skip mowing when dandelions are blooming - these are an important source of nourishment in early spring
Leave the leaves for overwintering insects - avoid raking, pile the leaves at the edge of your garden or add to a compost pile
Eliminate the use of pesticides and herbicides, which can harm pollinators and destroy their food source
Image credit: Rusty patched bumble bee by USFWS.
Check out our webinars on bees to learn more!