What’s the Buzz? Native Bees at the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary

Through collaborative efforts of volunteers, Sanctuary staff and MSU’s Entomology Department, visitors are now able to learn about the Sanctuary’s bee condominium, located in the Pollinator Garden in front of the Resource Center. Funding for two 24” x 36” interpretative signs was provided through a grant from the National Association for Interpretation (NAI). The signs offer facts about five types of solitary and social bees as well as rationale for offering a nesting site to native bees in the garden.

Through this educational signage we seek to provide public awareness about the need to support habitat for bees whose numbers are declining due to environmental changes. Pollinator-friendly surroundings and backyard bee houses are a way to encourage pollinators. The signs support the Bird Sanctuary’s goal to communicate the importance of native Michigan plants and the birds, bees and butterflies that pollinate them.

“Bee” on the lookout for the new signage and the condo’s visitors.  The condo had its first resident mason bees (Osmia sp.) start nest building the first week of May!