This presentation explores the nesting habitat, life cycle, pollen collection, brood rearing, and general characteristics of common genera of native bees occurring in the Midwestern, Eastern United States, and southern Canada. The pollination of native plants and the mutualism between native plants and native bees is also highlighted. Heather also discusses the presentation of floral resources and how the physical characteristics of bees can influence the bees’ effectiveness as pollinators.
About Heather Holm
I am a biologist, pollinator conservationist, and award-winning author. In addition to assisting with native bee research projects, I inform and educate audiences nationwide, through my books and many presentations, about the fascinating world of native pollinators and beneficial insects, and the native plant communities that support them. Much of my spare time is spent planning and executing ecological restoration projects, serving on the boards of nonprofits to promote conservation work, and spending a significant amount of time in the field to better understand the natural history and habitat of native bees and wasps, and the complexities of enhancing pollinator habitat using ecological restoration best management practices.