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Beeing Smart


Last summer, as we admired the bees in the meadow, we decided we needed to learn more about them to make sure that the changes we made would be beneficial to insects and pollinators. Our research led us to Dr. Elinor Lichtenberg, an expert on bees, with a lab at the University of North Texas.


We are so glad we talked with her as it has helped guide how we want to handle mowing in the meadow and dissuaded us from building bee houses.


What did we learn?


  • There are 200 to 400 bee species but they all come out a different times of the day and different periods of times during the year.


  • Peak time for bees starts in April and goes through June. Mowing should be avoided until flowers go dormant in the fall.


  • Solo bees build their nests underground or in dry stalks.


  • From a land conservation perspective, mow 1/3 of the area at time, no more.


  • Do use iNaturalist to capture photos and attempt identification.


Dr Lichtenberg has provided us with posters about bees that we have placed at the trail head kiosks. If you are interested in using these at your school or for your own edification, go to https://biology.unt.edu/lichtenberg-lab/public-resources.html


More:


  • UNT researchers discovered essential subterranean needs for Texas bees. Read more

  • Learn about the Pollinative Prairie program at UNT. Details here

  • Explore the Bee Campus USA initiative at UNT. Explore







 
 
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