First complete survey of native WA bees finds new species

Washington's first comprehensive bee survey uncovered 15 previously unrecorded species of native bees. Conducted by the Washington Bee Atlas program, the initiative seeks to catalog the state's native bee population amid declining honeybee numbers. Karla Salp, a communications consultant for the program, stated, "The reason why this is happening in the first place is to answer the question, how are pollinators doing in Washington state? " Volunteers collected over 17,000 bees from more than 600 different host plants, but identifying these specimens is a slow process that requires careful examination under a microscope. The survey aims to provide a baseline for monitoring pollinator populations and includes compiling a list of plants that support these beneficial insects.

Salp highlighted the project’s importance for sustainability, noting that native pollinators could play a crucial role in agriculture if honeybee populations continue to decline. The Washington State Department of Agriculture offers an online application for those interested in volunteering for the Bee Atlas program. This effort reflects a growing recognition of the need to protect and support native pollinators for ecological balance.