KAXE’s Tuesday Morning Show strives to take an in-depth look at some natural resource issues important to Northern Minnesota. Producer Mark Jacobs and hosts Heidi Holtan and John Latimer discuss the issues and highlight some creative solutions.
Seeing the forest for the bees
When we think of pollinator habitat, most of us picture a field full of wildflowers. But according to Jessica Peterson of the Minnesota DNR, forests are also important habitat for Minnesota’s native pollinators. As an invertebrate ecologist, Peterson’s work focuses on terrestrial insects like bees and is concerned about the decline of some of our native species.
Contribution
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iNaturalist user rileywalsh
Many species of bees use forests as a source of food, especially in the spring when they emerge from hibernation. Tree species such as maple, oak and basswood provide pollen and nectar in early spring. Early flowering small trees/shrubs such as willows, serviceberry, dogwood and cranberry are important, as are many spring ephemerals that flower before the trees get leaves.
These forest habitats not only provide food, but also ideal places for reproduction. Dead trees, fallen logs and hollow trees are important nesting sites for several species of wild bees. Listen above to learn more about the forest’s pollinators and how you can help them thrive.
Topics
- Introduction (0:00-1:03)
- Jessica’s role as an invertebrate ecologist (1:03–1:44)
- Concerns about local pollinators (1:44–4:03)
- The importance of forests for pollinators (4:03-11:54)
- How to help forest pollinators (11:54-14:50)
- Hope for pollinators (14:50-16:14)
- Conclusion (16:14-16:42)
What pollinators have you noticed recently? Let us know. Email us at [email protected] or text us at 218-326-1234.
Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).
