Bumblebee Restoration Program

The Importance of Bumblebees

Bumblebees are important pollinators that help support nature and farming by pollinating many kinds of plants. Sadly, their numbers are going down because of habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. Unlike honeybees, bumblebees live in smaller groups and usually make their nests close to the ground in places like old animal burrows or thick plants.

 

How Bumblebee boxes Can Help

 

Building Bumblebee-Friendly Homes

One way to help bumblebees is by adding Bumbleboxes to home gardens. These special boxes give bumblebee queens a safe place to make new homes. By putting these ground Bees in cool, quiet spots and planting flowers that bees like nearby, people can help give bumblebees a good home.

 

Supporting Bumblebee Habitats

Additional Conservation Efforts

Using fewer pesticides and growing lots of different plants makes safer, healthier homes for bumblebees. Save The Bees USA is dedicated to sharing Bumblebee boxes and encouraging communities to help protect bumblebees and the important job they do in nature.

We Love This Story!!

Couple Falls In Love With Wingless Bumblebee

Shay and Michael were on a walk when they saw a big bee just walking on the side of the road. On their way back they saw her again, so they picked her up and realized she didn't have any wings! They named her Ruby and took her home to make sure she would be safe while she got stronger. While there, she became best friends with their cat, Pyro!

How You Can Help

Three-Part Initiative to Safeguard and Revitalize Bumblebee Populations

Part 1: Study the Species

Learning about Bumblebees or ground bees is a big part of our work to help bring them back. With help from local experts, we study Bumblebees to understand how they live, where they like to be, and what challenges they face. Texas has 8 different kinds of Bumblebees, and we work to find and track each one. We record important details, like how many there are, their behavior, and the flowers they like. We’re also keeping track of where they make their nests so we can learn more about these important pollinators.

Our team goes to different places in Texas to watch Bumblebees in their natural homes. This hands-on work helps us focus on what each species needs to survive. By learning about how they gather food, where they nest, and how they fit into nature, we’re building strong plans to help protect them.

Part 2: Build 10 Nest Boxes and Populate with a Queen Bumblebee

To create safe homes for ground bees, we’ve started building 10 special nest boxes. These boxes are designed to copy the natural places where Bumblebees like to nest, giving them a safe and cozy spot. Made from eco-friendly materials, these boxes are built with the bees’ health in mind.

When the boxes are ready, we add selected Queen Bumblebees to start new colonies. This step is very important for helping the Bumblebee population grow strong and healthy.

Really interesting study on how to support bumblebees!

Part 3: Monitor the Hive, Share Results, and Seek Support

Watching over the bees is important for our program’s success. Our team of beekeepers carefully looks after the colonies in our nest boxes, checking how they grow, where they nest, and how healthy they are. This way, we can find any problems early and keep the bees safe.

We also share what we learn with students, teachers, and groups that care about bees. By involving the community, we hope to inspire everyone to help protect and bring back Eastern Bumblebee populations.

To make a bigger impact, we need support from people, schools, and groups that want to help bees. Whether by volunteering, sharing the message, or donating, your help makes a real difference. Together, we can create a bright future for these important pollinators.

Join us in protecting the Eastern Bumblebee, an important part of nature. Let’s work together to make a lasting difference for these bees.

For this project, we’ll focus on Texas and Oklahoma, where there are many types of bumblebees that add to the rich nature here.

Awesome Bumblebee home from a beekeeper in Southern California

Types of Bumblebees in Texas

  1. Common Eastern Bumblebee (Bombus impatiens): Recognizable by its black and yellow stripes, this species is widespread in North America, including Texas and Oklahoma.
  1. American Bumblebee (Bombus pensylvanicus): Characterized by a black abdomen with yellow markings, the American Bumblebee is native to North America and can be found in various habitats.
  1. Southern Plains Bumblebee (Bombus fraternus):  Indigenous to the southern United States, including Texas and Oklahoma, this species has distinctive markings on its thorax and abdomen.
  1. Brown-belted Bumblebee (Bombus griseocollis):  Identified by a brownish belt across its yellow thorax, this species is commonly found in a variety of habitats.
  1. Two-spotted Bumblebee (Bombus bimaculatus):  Named for the two yellow spots on its thorax, this species is widespread and adaptable, inhabiting diverse ecosystems.
  1. Hunt's Bumblebee (Bombus huntii):  Native to western North America, including parts of Texas and Oklahoma, this species has distinctive coloration with yellow, black, and orange markings.
  1. Black and Gold Bumblebee (Bombus auricomus):  Identified by its black and gold coloration, this bumblebee species is found in various regions, including parts of Texas.
  1. Nevada Bumblebee (Bombus nevadensis):  Distributed across western North America, including portions of Texas and Oklahoma, this species exhibits variable color patterns.

Join the Buzz: Sign Up to Save the Bees

Thank You for Beeing a Hero! 

If there are specific regions in the United States that require support for bumblebee studies, please don't hesitate to contact Save The Bees USA at [email protected]. We are eager to collaborate and take part in research and restoration initiatives to help protect and preserve bumblebee populations. Your outreach is valuable, and together, we can contribute to the well-being of these essential pollinators.

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