This spring you might head into the forest in search of salamanders, owls or deer. But what about pollinators? Some wild bees like bumble bees, carpenter bees or any other bee that isn’t a honeybee, can also be found in the woods, buzzing from flower to flower in search of food.
Spring forest wildflowers are easy to spot and they are an important, first-of-the-year food source for bees. As you explore the forest look for other connections between trees and bees: from other food sources, to nesting, to a place of refuge.
Way Above the Forest Floor
Bees and other pollinators don’t just gather nectar from wildflowers on the forest floor. In the forest canopy they can gather:
- Pollen and nectar from trees in bloom e.g. maples
- Honeydew left over from sap-feeding insects e.g. aphids
- Floral nectar from the leaves of certain trees e.g. poplars
- Sap from open wounds in trees
Grounded Nests
Most bumble bees nest underground and some species prefer nesting under the forest floor. One study found bumble bees nesting in forests are more successful in raising the next queen bee than bumble bees nesting in other areas like meadows.
Refuge in the Woods
Agricultural landscapes are often dotted with woodlots. For some bees and wasps, woodlots next to farm fields may be a place of refuge or shelter. They can successfully raise their young in cooler, more comfortable conditions than nests in exposed croplands. These woodlots can also increase pollinator diversity and the pollination of nearby crops.
Bees and Forest Management
What does this all mean for you? Healthy forests help pollinators. If you care for a forest or woodlot, think about bees and other pollinators when creating your management plans. Here are some suggestions to consider:
- Expand existing forest stands to create more habitat
- Plant small woodlands or hedgerows to create a refuge from the impacts of climate change
- Add early blooming trees, shrubs and wildflowers to increase first-of-the-year food sources
- Consider management practices like plantation thinning to create a diverse, multi-layered forest to benefit pollinators
Help pollinators this Earth Day and every day. Connect with a CVC stewardship coordinator to get started.