May Spotlight - World Bee Day

Celebrate Washington’s 600+ Species 
By Jacob Marley

As spring rolls on and summer quickly approaches, you’ve probably noticed the beautiful blooms spreading across western Washington — especially throughout our stunning Chehalis River Basin. 

With World Bee Day coming up on May 20, it’s the perfect time to spotlight one of the most important pollinators in our ecosystem: bees. Washington is home to roughly 600 bee species, and that diversity extends far beyond the western side of the state. In fact, Walla Walla and Whitman counties in eastern Washington host some of the most diverse bee populations in the region. 

Many native species, such as the Alkali Bee, thrive in arid environments with low precipitation, sparse tree cover, and stable climates. Here in Western Washington, however, bumble bees — scientifically known as Bombus — are among the most recognizable and important pollinators. These bees play a critical role in supporting local ecosystems and are capable of pollinating a wider variety of plants than many other species, including honey bees. 

Consider this your excuse to restock your honey supply, or go to a local farmers market and support a local farmer by trying local honey — something I’ve recently enjoyed doing myself. Washington remains one of the most biodiverse states in the country, and there’s no better time to get outside and appreciate it. 

Bee Inspired: Take in the buzzing pollinators and beautiful scenery the Chehalis River Basin has to offer by exploring spots like the Discovery Trail or Mima Mounds Natural Area Preserve, which has quickly become a personal favorite of mine.