Bee populations are under threat worldwide. This includes honeybees, which are at risk from colony collapse disorder, as well as wild native bees, which face habitat loss and other threats.

The Bee-U pilot project aims to raise awareness of the importance of bees to our ecosystem, to educate people about how you can help, and to provide an opportunity for bee-related research.

One of the easiest ways to help support bee populations is to provide bee-friendly plants and flowers in your garden. Here are a few ideas of flowers to plant:

Heartleaf Alexander, Giant Hyssop, Gaillardia, Purple Prairie Clover, Culver’s Root, Joe Pye Weed, Showy Goldenrod, Smooth Aster, Little Bluestem, New England Aster, Coneflower, Brown-eyed susan, narrow-leafed sunflower, false sunflower, many-flowered aster.

If possible, aim for species that are native to your area.

Leafcutter bee on a New England Aster.

Bumblebee on a narrow-leafed sunflower.