Location: Pollinating Insect-Biology, Management, Systematics Research
Project Number: 2080-30500-001-030-N
Project Type: Non-Funded Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Aug 1, 2025
End Date: Jul 31, 2028
Objective:
Agricultural landscapes can be devoid of floral resources (pollen and nectar) that support wild bees. In this study we will establish flower plantings within agricultural landscapes and test if they support wild pollinators and other wildlife. Flower plantings also provide benefits to producers such as improving soil health, reducing runoff, and supporting beneficial insect communities that can improve crop production through reductions in pest populations. The ultimate goal of this study is to provide agricultural producers with recommendations for how they can integrate flower plantings into their production to provide diverse habitat for wild bees and other wildlife.
Approach:
Flower plantings were established in 2024 and we will be surveying the wild bee community visiting the plantings in 2025 and 2026. Bees will be surveyed every 3 weeks during the growing period and then identified to species. We will also collect from the broader landscape to compare what portion of the wild bee community in that area is visiting the floral planting.