Save Our Native Bumblebees!: Why You Should Care and What You Can Do

The non-native (and arguably, invasive) European Honeybee (Apis mellifera) gets a lot of attention because the species is reared here in North America for the purpose of pollinating crops and for the production of honey. Although native bumblebees are an integral component of our local ecosystems and are, also, important pollinators for a number of agriculturally important crops, they rarely get the appreciation they deserve. This is particularly concerning because research indicates that North American bumblebees face a multitude of threats and more than a quarter of native bumblebee species are facing some level of extinction risk, as a result. Join Dr. Sheri Glowinski, on March 10 at 7pm at 805 South Cottage Ave in Normal, for an exploration of bumblebee diversity, ecological importance, and conservation concerns – and, importantly, learn what YOU can do to promote the precious presence of our local native bumbles in your gardens.