Habitat assessment by Barbara Crawford

Barbara Crawford's picture
Assessment results
Answer givenOur advice
Is your nest block near a landmark like a rock?: 
No
Move your nest block if it isn’t getting much use. Bees are more likely to find a nest block if there is a visual clue.
Does your nest block have less than 20 holes?: 
No
Create a nest block with fewer holes. This will reduce parasitism and make it more likely bees will use it.
Did you clean or replace your nest block in the last two years?: 
No
Clean your nest block. You can just run a stick in each hole. This will reduce parasitism.
What is the main type of vegetation in the area you are evaluating (park, garden, yard, farm...)?: 
Mostly grass
Increase the number of flowering plants in your habitat. Think about using native plants.
How much of the whole yard, park, farm or green space is garden space or wild/natural vegetation?: 
Some. Between 21-40%.
Consider expanding your gardens and wild spaces and reducing your lawn.
How much of the garden is planted with flowering annual or perennial plants (including shrubs, vegetables and trees)?: 
A lot (51-75%)
Consider supplementing your garden with some native, pollinator friendly plants and converting some lawn!
Does the garden use herbicides?: 
Yes, but I have confirmed they are not toxic to bees.
Consider reducing your herbicide use.
How many different pollinator counts will your contribute this year?: 
Ten or more.
We'd love to see pollinator counts from any of the plants in your garden as many times as you can contribute. Thanks for contributing!

Score: 179 (out of a possible 210)

Which garden or space are you describing?: 
1001 Buckeye
How large is your yard?: 
0.20
acres
Are there areas with bare ground and very few plants?: 
Yes
Are there areas with sandy loamy soil?: 
Yes
Are there low traffic areas where the soil is not turned over, tilled or plowed?: 
Yes
Are there areas dead wood, brush piles or snags present?: 
Yes
Are there areas with pithy twigs (elderberry, cane fruit, sumac, etc…)?: 
Yes
Do you have native bunchgrasses?: 
Several areas or one large area.
Are there bee nesting blocks?: 
Yes
Are the flowering plants that you have pollinator friendly?: 
Most (more than 75%)
How many flowers in your garden bloom in spring?: 
10 or more
How many flowers in your garden bloom in fall?: 
10 or more
How many flowers in your garden bloom in summer?: 
10 or more
Are flowers planted in clumps?: 
Yes.
How much mulch is on the ground?: 
Some.
Is there fresh, clean water always available with a perch that bees could stand on and drink?: 
Yes
Are pesticides used in the garden?: 
No