Habitat assessment by imakeawesomekids@yahoo.com

Assessment results

Answer given	Our advice
Are there areas with bare ground and very few plants?: No	Consider increasing the amount of bare ground. Ground nesting bees are more likely to nest where there is bare ground.
Are there areas with sandy loamy soil?: No	Consider increasing the amount of sandy loamy soil. Ground nesting bees often prefer sandy loamy soil as it is easier to dig and drains well. Sandy loam is made up of 10-50% silt or organic matter, 50-75% sand, and less than 20% clay. So if you have 15% sand in your existing soil, you will need to add enough sand to make it at least 50%. If you have 30% clay, you will need to add enough of the sand or compost to bring that percentage down to less than 20%.
Are there low traffic areas where the soil is not turned over, tilled or plowed?: No	Set aside some areas for no tilling, plowing or turning over. Ground nesting bees nest anywhere from the top inches to several feet below the surface. Reducing disturbance allows those bees to survive to the next year.
Do you have native bunchgrasses?: One smaller area.	Increase the amount of bunch grass in your yard. Many bees nest and overwinter at the base of these grasses.
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.
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...)?: Mix of native and non-native plants	Increase the amount of native plants in your yard.
How much of the whole yard, park, farm or green space is garden space or wild/natural vegetation?: A lot. More than 40%.	You are doing a great job managing for pollinators!
How many flowers in your garden bloom in fall?: 4-6	Add 3-4 more fall flowers to support fall bees.
How much mulch is on the ground?: Everywhere.	Ground nesting bees can't dig through mulch. Consider leaving some areas simply bare ground.
How many different pollinator counts will your contribute this year?: None this year.	Join us! We'd love to see pollinator counts from any of the plants in your garden. Thanks!
What time of day are pesticides applied?: Pesticides are sometimes used during the day	Reduce your pesticide use and consider spraying only at night.
Is pesticide use avoided when flowers are in bloom?: Pesticides are sometime used while flowers are blooming	Consider spraying pesticides only when flowers are not in bloom.

Score: 131 (out of a possible 210)

Which garden or space are you describing?:

My garden

How large is your yard?:

0.25

acres

Are there areas dead wood, brush piles or snags present?:

Yes

Are there areas with pithy twigs (elderberry, cane fruit, sumac, etc…)?:

Yes

Are there bee nesting blocks?:

Yes

Does your nest block have less than 20 holes?:

Yes

How much of the garden is planted with flowering annual or perennial plants (including shrubs, vegetables and trees)?:

Most (more than 75%)

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 summer?:

10 or more

Are flowers planted in clumps?:

Yes.

Is there fresh, clean water always available with a perch that bees could stand on and drink?:

Yes

If you use pesticides, do you avoid using neonicotinoid pesticides?:

Yes. I have checked that the pesticides we have do not include neonicotinoids.

Does the garden use herbicides?:

No.

Are pesticides used in the garden?:

Yes

Is the drift of pesticides controlled?:

Pesticide drift is controlled.