Wander, Explore, Hike, Renew

🐝What is Buzzing with Wehr’s Bees?

Wehr’s honeybee display hive has been a fixture in our Fireplace Room for over 40 years. Generations of children have peered into the inner workings of hive life and been amazed. It has been an impactful educational tool, but in a world where local insects are struggling, our staff can’t justify the resources needed to continue raising non-native honeybees. We’ve made the difficult decision to retire our hives to focus our efforts on supporting our native bee populations at Wehr. 🐝We based this decision on several factors:We want to focus on helping our native bees! Honeybees have become the celebrities of the insect world, garnering attention due to their recent struggles. While it is appropriate to worry when we see honeybees impacted by pesticides and other environmental changes, it is equivalent to focusing on the health of chickens rather than populations of wild birds. Domesticated honeybees were brought to North America in the 1600’s to support crops brought from Europe. They are critical pollinators for some large-scale crops, but they are poor pollinators of our native ecosystems. North America has over 4000 native species, including about 500 in Wisconsin, such as the federally endangered Rusty Patched Bumblebee. Many native bee populations are declining, but their stories are seldom told. By phasing out European honeybees, we can redirect educational efforts toward our native bees. In 2025, we received an $800 grant from the Entomological Society of America to create a field trip for students focused on Wisconsin’s native pollinators. This program will include installing native bee homes and “safe zones, “along with educational signage. 🐝European honeybees put native bees at risk: Honeybees negatively impact native bees through competition for pollen resources. One study calculated that over a period of three months, a single honeybee hive collects as much pollen as could support the development of 100,000 native solitary bees! They can also spread mites and disease into wild bee populations. Having a honeybee hive within our nature preserve doesn’t support our goal of protecting our local ecosystems and species.🐝How can you help? Learn more about your local bees. One way to do so is to get involved with the Wisconsin Bumble Bee Brigade, which focuses on our 20 species of bumble bees. Attend the MCP Bumble Bee Brigade Orientation at Wehr on June 28 to get hands-on training. To register just send an e-mail to this address: ParksComSci@milwaukeecountywi.gov. This article from the Xerces Society explains the important work of native bees and actions you can take at home to protect them. xerces.org/blog/want-to-save-bees-focus-on-habitat-not-honey-bees🐝Visit the FOW Native Plant Sale to purchase local plants that support bees in all seasons. www.friendsofwehr.org/plantsalePollinator Party Packs and Prairie Bees starter trays are available if preordered by April 22. The Wild Ones, Milwaukee Southwest/Wehr ChapterNatural Landscapers, Ltd., offers year-round programs and mentoring to support new gardeners. Other great resources include Homegrown National Park and native bee guru Heather Holm who you can find here: www.pollinatorsnativeplants.com/Here is an excellent video on a little bit more on why we as staff have decided to discontinue having our colonies of European Honeybees along with our observation hive. www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxHu46YKnZg … See MoreSee Less