Did you know that pollinators are responsible for two-thirds of the food in the US; that the activity of ground nesting bees improves soil texture, water and nutrient movement; the larval stage of beetles create tunnels in trees where bees can nest; we have approximately 4500 native bees - most of which do not sting?? Do you also know what some of the threats are to both our common, and not-so-common 6-legged friends? They include: habitat loss, degradation & fragmentation, agriculture, pesticides and invasive species. Would you like to know what you, as an individual can do to help such as how to build your own bee nest blocks and other ways of offering up your property to more of these creatures? The extensive appendices include nectar and host plant lists, educator & family resources and a wealth of information for further reading and relevant organizations.
This is not only a very readable book but also a reference that no gardener or other nature lover should be without. It is written by the experienced and dedicated staff of the Xerces Society, based in Portland Oregon, which is "an international non-profit organization dedicated to protecting biological diversity through invertebrate conservation." Many of the photos are unrivaled!
If you are interested in some other excellent reading regarding many of our often-overlooked pollinators, be sure to read "The Forgotten Pollinators" by Stephen Buchmann & Gary Nabhan. Enjoy!