Urban landscapes can be designed to welcome pollinators. See the comprehensive guide to protecting and enhancing pollinators in Michigan landscapes for information landscapers and gardeners can use to attract pollinators and protect them during pest management tactics.
What is pollination?
Pollination is important for home vegetable gardens and backyard fruits. Most fruit trees require insect pollination. Several vegetables including cucurbits (cucumbers, gourds, melons, squashes and pumpkins), tomatoes and peppers also benefit from bee visits.
Which pollinators might visit plants in my garden?
At least 460 species of wild bees are found in Michigan. Every pollinator require two things – resources (pollen and nectar from flowers) and a nest site. Though each species differs in the types of flowers visited, planting a variety of shrubs, trees, and plants that bloom throughout the season can make a difference in supporting bees or butterflies.
Resource on the different types of bees
Webinar on bumble bees of Michigan
Picking the right plants for pollinators
Creating the right habitat for pollinators
Bees nest in the ground or in cavities. These cavities can be rotten logs, trees, or artificial structures. Additional nesting sites can be provided for cavity nesting bees through installing bee hotels.
- Creating a smart habitat for bees
- Lawn alternatives to protect pollinators
- Smart gardening to support monarchs
A bee-friendly lawn is possible by including flowering seed mixes. Smart lawn care will protect pollinators.
News
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Needs assessment and resources for veterinarians to practice honey bee medicine
Published on August 19, 2026
An article in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association describes results from a needs assessment of veterinary medicine practitioners on honey bee medicine. MSU and collaborators created resources and programs to address these needs. -
Attend the Apiculture Extension Spotlight Webinar Series
Published on August 19, 2026
This four-part webinar series will highlight beekeeping in different locations and apiculture Extension work across the U.S. -
How to combine a laying worker colony with a queenright colony using newspaper
Published on July 28, 2026
Beekeepers can fix a laying worker colony by using newspaper to combine it with a queenright colony.
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