Washington Native Bee Society
Explore Washington's Bees
Identifying bees can be tricky. Often it requires collecting bees and viewing minute features under a microscope. Although there are many bees that are identifiable to a species level, here our aim is to provide a resource of bees for identifying to the genus.
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Washington State is a land of diverse habitats. From coastal beaches to alpine meadows, and temperate rainforest to shrub-steppe desert. In these habitats, one can find a multitude of flowering plants which give rise to over 600 bee species.
It is our aim to develop this site into a resource for exploring that diversity. In time, you will be able to visit to learn about the bees, how to identify them, and how to attract them to your own garden.
We are governed by a dedicated board of directors who volunteer their time and expertise to further our mission of protecting and promoting native bees. Learn more about this dynamic team.
Given to outstanding volunteers who have made a difference for native bees in Washington State. Learn about Don Rolfs and recipients of the award.
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What's your passion for pollinators?
There is much work to be done to preserve, restore, and enhance pollinator habitat throughout Washington State. Perhaps you have an idea or a project, or you might be interested in joining us. We welcome all those who dream of enhancing our state's natural beauty. Join us!
Bee habitat: Yellow sand verbena at West Beach, Deception Pass State Park
Beaches aren't always where people go to find flowers in Washington State. However, a stroll along many Washington beaches will yield a surprising amount of botany and pollinators. Here is yellow sand verbena (Abronia latifolia) blooming amongst the driftwood. Careful inspection of any patch of this flower will yield many native bees, including very energetic digger bees (Anthophora spp.).