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iNat map of WA bees

Next online presentation: 
June 25th
 

Educate
Advocate
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Bee specimens in rows inside Washington State outline

There are 600+ native bee species found in
Washington State

Three bees on a white background
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Washington State is a diverse landscape

From coastal rainforests, to mountain meadows, sunlit shrub-steppe desert and bountiful agricultural regions...

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The Washington Native
Bee Society

We are an inclusive group that encourages bee enthusiasts of all interest levels and backgrounds to get involved, from the average lay person or student to the full-time bee researcher.   

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We endeavor to create a platform for groups and individuals throughout the State of Washington to show off their research, artwork, and community projects while also acting as an umbrella under which we can embrace and build up those in the bee community that need support. 

Join us!
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Each plays a vital role in our state's intricate web of life

From coastal rainforests, to mountain meadows and shrub-steppe desert,

At the Washington Native Bee Society, we are passionate about this diversity and seek to preserve it for generations to come. 

Upcoming Events

  • iNaturalist Bee Update 2026
    iNaturalist Bee Update 2026
    Thu, Jun 25
    Zoom
    Jun 25, 2026, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
    Zoom
    Lisa Robinson will take you on a tour about how our project has grown in the last five years. Come ask questions and learn more about ways to interact with the project and help with identification in this summer informal session.
  • 2026 Vancouver Pollinator Festival
    2026 Vancouver Pollinator Festival
    Sat, Jun 20
    Marshall Park
    Jun 20, 2026, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
    Marshall Park, 1069 E McLoughlin Blvd, Vancouver, WA 98663, USA
  • Celebrate Invertebrates!
    Celebrate Invertebrates!
    Sat, Jun 06
    Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge
    Jun 06, 2026, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
    Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge, Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge, 64 Maple St, Burbank, WA 99323, USA
    Learn your local bees and aquatic inverts at McNary Wildlife Refuge
  • WWU Insect Collection Open House
    WWU Insect Collection Open House
    Sat, May 30
    Biology Building
    May 30, 2026, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
    Biology Building, Biology, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA
    View many of the 75,000 specimens that make up the largest public insect collection in Western Washington! You'll see: Northern Giant Hornets (aka “Murder Hornets”) from the first nest discovered in the U.S., right here in Whatcom County; spectacular butterflies, beetles, insect giants & fossils!
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Disappearing species

50% of the 600 bees have not been collected or reported since the 1970s

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Our work

Washington Native Bee Society has been hard at work building a better world for bees in our state. Find out we have achieved, our bold plans, and how you can get involved.

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Build your Washington bee garden

Washington is a diverse land encompassing habitats from rainforest to high desert. Discover how your backyard habitat can be enhanced for bee conservation

Latest News

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Bumblebee on a bistort flower with Mount Rainier and Paradise Meadows in the background

Bee habitat: Paradise Meadows, Mt. Tahoma/Rainier National Park

High mountain meadows in western North America rarely match the floral abundance found at Paradise. With so many blooms, pollinators are plentiful—especially bumble bees. Here, a Bombus sylvicola feeds on a bistort flower. Image by Joe Dlugo.

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